Friday night February 25, 2011 at Philips Arena – Be there Thrasherville
On Friday night February 25th, 2011 the Atlanta Thrashers will host the Florida Panthers in a Southeast Conference showdown. The scheduled start time for the game is the same as it is for all Friday home games in Atlanta and exactly one week from the posting of this blog, 7:30pm.
If you are a fan of the Thrashers…if you’re a fan of NHL hockey and support the league remaining in this city…. if you have been sickened by what the team’s current ownership has allowed this franchise to become…if you are mad as hell about what you’ve learned recently… then you need to be there.
In saying that, I’m looking at all of you out there in the blogosphere…all of you who frequent this online hockey forum as well as the one hosted by AJC Thrashers beat writer Chris Vivlamore. And that’s quite a lot of individuals, so I’m told.
I’m looking at those fans who normally make it to just a handful of games each season. I’m even looking at those who may make it to but one. If that’s the case…make next Friday that one.
Need a good deal on tickets? Well, simply click –>HERE<– and use promo code RAWHIDE.
I’m also looking at those of you who make it to almost each and every home game as well. Those would include season ticket holders, be it full or partial…my good friends up in The Nasty Nest… the fine people of The Smirkin’ Chicken…all those who frequent the Thrashers Message Boards…the boys at the The Blueland Chronicle as well as the many others who host their own independent Thrashers blogs…and last but certainly not least, the well over 800-member strong Atlanta Thrashers Fan Club.
Yes…I’m looking at all of you.
If you have the physical and financial means to do so…next Friday night, be there!
THEY POINTED THE FINGER AT YOU SO GIVE THEM ONE BACK
As you already know by now, just a few days ago Atlanta Spirit co-owner Michael Gearon pointed his finger at you, the fans of Atlanta Thrashers hockey. He pointed the finger at you citing your lack of attendance as one of the main reasons he and his fellow Atlanta Spirit partners may be forced to consider offers from those who may seek to relocate this franchise elsewhere. He did so just after we were given the good news of Dustin Byfuglien re-signing and just before the team went on a 3 game, week and a half long road trip.
Next Friday will be the first game played back at Philips Arena after he and his cohorts kicked us square in the teeth, gut…and other regions just south of there. As such, it will be the first time you can let Mr. Gearon and the rest of this cluster-flop of an ownership group know just what you think of them since this news story broke. In essence, this will be the first chance you get to shake your finger…whichever one you choose to display…right back at them all.
Really, this is the only way to let the Sucknificant Seven hear from you… seeing how none of them seem to possess the testicular fortitude to stand before you in a town hall meeting forum and answer your questions directly. Team President Don Waddell may at some time do so…say what you want about him but he’s at least been willing to show up and take the heat in person. However, don’t hold your collective breaths waiting for Gearon, Levenson or any other of the co-owners to man up and do so any time soon.
No, they won’t be there…but you should be.
FILL UP PHILIPS AND BE IN FULL VOICE
Yes, Philips Arena needs to be packed next Friday night…packed to the rafters. It should be filled with fans who are not only there to root for the hometown ice combatants, but also with fans who are willing to scream, chant and/or otherwise make it clear to the NHL world that it is not they who have cause this mess to proceed to this point. But rather, this is the direct result of what the owners have done to this organization since it purchased it seven years ago.
And I’m telling you folks…thousands of empty seats will not carry that message for you.
Also by packing out and rocking out Philips Arena Friday night, you can send a message to any would-be investor that this is what the place was like before the Great Octocluster ran it into the ground. And it could be like that again.
You not only need to be there for the game, but you need to show up well before the scheduled puck-drop time. You need to be outside of the arena and inside CNN Center with your signs displaying not only your love and support for the team, but also your feelings for this band of knuckleheads who have all but killed off this franchise.
I’m also guessing there will be a few members of the media there, both of the local and out-of-town variety. Given the events of this past week, I’m sure someone will want to gauge the mood of the fans here. So, you need to avail yourself to any reporter and any news cameraman there to express your thoughts to not only the NHL community around the North American continent, but the sports community in general as well. You need to have your faces in their cameras and your voices should set their audio equipment ablaze.
Now, I’m not saying to be offensive or vulgar in your demeanor…but do be loud, do be clear and do be passionate.
But most of all…do be there!
BOYCOTT THE BOYCOTT
To those of you out there who still hold to the belief that some sort of “boycott” is the best course of action, allow me say two things to you.
1. With all due respect for you opinion, you’re dead wrong.
2. Regardless of No. 1, there is still a way for you to help the cause…assuming, that is, if you are truly a fan of the team and support NHL hockey in Atlanta.
Simply join the rest of us before the game in front of Philips Arena and in CNN Center. Be there to voice your distain for the current ownership group to the media. Then, when the rest of us head in to watch the game, you can head into Taco Mac to watch it while enjoying some wings and an adult beverage or two.
If you simply do that, it will not put one single dollar into the pockets of the Atlanta Spirit, LLC.
Maybe none of this will matter a hill of beans to those who make up the Atlanta Spirit, LLC, (Lies, Lawsuits and Contempt). Certainly if they have shown such distain for you over the course of the last several years, it’s not hard to think they won’t really give a damn now.
But one thing is for sure. If hockey fans across this great land of ours tune into NHL On The Fly next Friday night to watch highlights from around the league, and they see a vast sea of empty blue seats on a night it really, really mattered for fans to be there…then all that will do is feed right into the false stereotypes that the Atlanta market is not suited for the sport at this level.
It will also serve as more ammunition for Gearon, Levenson and the rest of the biggest abomination to ever own a professional sports franchise to use when trying to convince Gary Bettman that they have little choice but to consider selling to someone intent on relocating the franchise away from Atlanta. And you don’t want to help supply them with that ammunition, do you? No…I didn’t think so.
Friday night…February 25, 2011…Philips Arena…be there!
For Thrasherville!
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
289 comments Add your comment
Tom Lysiak
February 19th, 2011
10:55 am
Wonder if St Louis tries to flip Chris Stewart here for Bogosian? You know how Duds loves those Stewart boys…..
Plus, if you put any stock into the minority player conspiracy theory that would be another plus in that column. But then, that theory seems to lose steam with the ASG dreaming of selling to a Canadian buyer for huge profits, who then moves the team. Well, it’s more fun to file lawsuits than to SUCCESSFULLY run professional sports franchises.
Brendan
February 19th, 2011
11:01 am
I guess I just don’t understand why the Blues “quit” on Erik Johnson. I like Chris Stewart. But a Tier I guy, he is NOT. We’re talking about the loss of a 1st overall pick. I wouldn’t begin to categorize Erik Johnson in the same boat as Patrik Stefan. I think Johnson has had some injuries, but at 22 years old … is really time to abandon ship, on what was supposed to be a “franchise” player? I do think Shattenkirk will develop into something good. But is ANNNNY of it … commeasurate to what a 1st overall pick should be??
Let me rephrase that … are we prepared … to call Erik Johnson … one of the “biggest BUSTS in NHL Draft History.” To me, that’s what the St. Louis Blues are implying. He’s 22, and they’ve already seen enough. Or, they believe Shattenkirk’s better.
ZAvalanche
February 19th, 2011
11:06 am
Having had the opportunity to see Shatty quite a bit (every game in fact) there is no way in hell he will ever be Johnson. And I think you are taking Stewart to lightly Brendan. Before his broken wrist mid season he was absolutely killing it. He is big, fast, great shot and not afraid to play the body on anybody. Fantastic in the corners and the dude NEVER quits on a shift. I am pissed the Avs traded him, as are my fan buddies. For the short term at least, StL got a steal.
gretchelby
February 19th, 2011
11:11 am
I think “Nick” from winnipeg must be a typo. Have a nice day “DICK” from winnepeg.
Gretchelby
February 19th, 2011
11:14 am
And Spud? A walk out only hurts our players….besides it’s a cardinal sin to leave a hockey game before the the end….I do not know hgow a walk out helps when the ticket money is already collected?
Red Light
February 19th, 2011
11:18 am
Shattenkirk has only had 46 NHL games, so lets not write him off just yet. Stewart is seen by Blues GM Armstrong as one of the best young power forwards in the game, and they need someone to score dirty goals. They have plenty of skilled forwards, but fewer gritty ones. Johnson isn’t a bust, but the Blues expected more of the No. 1 overall pick. He may do very well in Colorado, but this is pure and simply the Blues reach to get what they feel is a dynamic power forward. I wouldn’t read anything else into it. The media likes to say you can’t give up on a former No. 1, some GMs feel the same way. Talent is in the eye of the beholder. Blues like Stewart and the Avs probably liked the return of Johnson and a No. 1. Segmenting the deal, Shattenkirk for McClement? Sure, why the heck not?
Rawhide
February 19th, 2011
11:23 am
LAC – As always, I respect your opinion. But are you saying the best thing to happen here is for the NHL world to tun in Friday night and see an empty Philips Arena?
We can agree to disagree if you want to, my friend…but I can’t see that as the best option here.
ZAvalanche
February 19th, 2011
11:24 am
Shatt and McClement neither pleases nor displeases me, a wash. But now I am in the situation of not having a power forward. Sherman made a poor choice for our team. I expect we will aggressively pursue UFA power forward in the off season. We have to if we are going to do any damage.
ZAvalanche
February 19th, 2011
11:28 am
If I turn on the TV and and see 12000 people in Philips I am going to be quite upset.
Brendan
February 19th, 2011
11:34 am
ZAvalanche, I think you should be ‘dancing’ rather than ‘depressed’ over this trade. Okay, Stewart is a good player. But he’s a 3rd line center. His game may be intense, and that’s GREAT, but you got Erik Johnson and the Blues 1st rounder, which could wind up being a lottery draft pick, for his departure. Plus, McClemment, for however long he stays.
I’m sorry, I really think Colorado won this one. For the Blues, heavy sigh … it’s 0-for-everything since 1967. Several Years ago, they hired John Davidson to oversee operations. Now, I like John Davidson, as a human being. His heart’s always in the right place. He tries very hard. He’s very passionate about hockey. But how long did he leave Larry Pleau in charge?? And then, the big move in the GM chair … was Doug Armstrong, whom the Dallas Stars had quite seen enough of. I don’t know why God doesn’t seemingly like the Saint Louis Blues.
Pleau took over the Blues in 1997. Things started out pretty well. Seven straight years of playoffs. St. Louis won the President’s Trophy in 2000. They did win 5 playoff series under Pleau’s stewardship, including reaching the CF in 2001. But really, and can we be honest?, what has Larry Pleau done since the Lockout?? The Blues made the playoffs once since then, and that was a divinely-inspired “miracle” run from 13th in the Western Conference to sixth (6th) on the final day of the season. But in those 2009 playoffs, they were promptly swept out by Vancouver, outscored by more than a two to one (2:1) margin. The NHL Network had that “big Draft Special” on the Blues, that they ran ad nauseum. Well, for all their plottings, all their schemings … all their ‘best laid plans,’ where are the St. Louis, through this MAGNANIMOUS rebuilding project? Cripes!! They might be worse off than the Thrashers, under Waddell’s reign of power. And the Blues had umpteen picks in that draft special. And a lot of them did manage to find their way in to the NHL. But are the Blues … today … one of the most feared, youngest, most highly-skilled teams in the NHL today?
AtlFlamesFan
February 19th, 2011
11:37 am
@LAC
While I agree with you on some points, and am disgusted that if we fill the Bulb Friday night, that all of those hockey $$ will only go to enrich ASG’s stake in the Hawks and have no affect on their desire to “discard” the Thrashers, the point of filling up the building is a message to Bettmen: “It is not the fans, its the owners!”
It makes no sense to have NHL franchises in Nashville, Raliegh, and Tampa Bay, and not in Atlanta.
ZAvalanche
February 19th, 2011
11:41 am
Hard to tell at this point as all involved are young and unproven. Stewart will be a fantastic role player, quite possibly much more, in his coming years. And who knows, Johnson could turn into the Ryan Leaf (sp) of the NHL, certainly StL thinks so else they wouldn’t ditch him. I guess I will just have to wait and see.
Thrashy should clean up on Edmonton tonight, good luck. And I am interested to see if we play our new keeper, Elliot, and to see how our new guys do. One thing you can say about this time of year: it definitely isn’t boring!
Anyhow, installing new OS, chat with you all in a while.
Brendan
February 19th, 2011
12:08 pm
Red Light, I’m not sure how many former 1st overall picks have actually been traded. Of course, the Thrashers come to mind, since both their 1st overall picks did wind up traded. Stefan to Dallas, for Niko Kapanen and a 7th rounder, who became Will O’Neill. That was an inconsequential trade on every front. Kovalchuk wasn’t traded away because … he blew chunks … and the organization had to get a bag of pucks for the return. Obviously, that was the case of a player not having FAITH in the how the Thrashers were being run. Refusing to sign, but a sizeable asset, the Thrashers traded him to NJ.
Okay, other 1st overalls traded? It’s hard to think of them, off the top of my head. Lecavalier, Nash, Crosby, Ovechkin, DiPietro, P. Kane, Tavares, Stamkos, Fleury, and Chris Philips are all still with their original teams that drafted them. Although, stay tuned on Chris Philips, who I think is a pending UFA, so Ottawa will likely move him, now that they are eliminated from the playoffs, in 15th in the Eastern Conference. Who else was a 1st overall, who got traded? Ed Jovanovksi, from 1994, has been moved a few times, I think. Oh yes! Joe Thornton, the top pick from 1998! He was moved to SJ from Boston, for W. Primeau, B. Stuart, and Marco Sturm, if I’m recalling correctly. San Jose is one of the few teams that has made the playoffs EVERY YEAR since the Lockout. Boston, uhh … well … they recovered from that trade. They’ve made the playoffs for the past three seasons, including being the top seed in the East in 2009. But, they did NOT reach the CF, for such an excellent year. Bryan Berard was a top pick from 1995. He had injuries that curtailed his performance. Roman Hamrlik, top pick from 1992, played on his fair share of teams. Alexander Daigle is regarded as a bust, essentially, despite playing in the league many years. Eric Lindros, 1991, refused to play for Quebec. The Nordiques picked up Forsberg and Sakic, and parlayed that combo into two Stanley Cup wins. Owen Nolan was a top pick from 1990. Wasn’t moved moved in his prime. Mats Sundin, top pick of 1989, was never traded. He left Toronto in free agency for Vancouver. Mike Modano, 1998’s top pick, played his whole career with Minnesota/Dallas, until leaving last season in free agency for Detroit.
Okay, enough of that. I think bottom line here is … trading someone who went 1st overall, before or during their PRIME YEARS … has proven to be a “rarity” and pretty close to a “no gain” situation for the team that did it. I’ll give Quebec/Colorado the exception there, for their deal on Eric Lindros. But … that player wasn’t dealt because Quebec didn’t want him, it was that Lindros REFUSED to play for them, sitting out a whole season. So, Quebec tried, as best they could, to get equal assets.
Is the desire for Chris Stewart so grandiose … that getting this gritty 3rd line center was worth coughing up the guy who went first in his draft year, at just the age of 22??
R. Stroz
February 19th, 2011
12:13 pm
Sign Idea Number 3
Dispose the Spirit
Save The Thrashers
DavidR
February 19th, 2011
12:14 pm
if anyone can get me a cheap airline ticket from calgary would be there. would also be at the edmonton game this afternoon but its a 4 hour drive one way for an afternoon game meaning there would have to be a hotel and good gods the tickets are expensive.
Dwayne
February 19th, 2011
12:45 pm
Our own version of William Wallace has asked us to show up to fight the English. Sharpen your tounges and be prepared to battle!!!!
Red Light
February 19th, 2011
1:07 pm
Brendan:
The Blues made the playoffs every year from 1978-79 to 2003-04, 25 straight seasons, but only two appearances in the Conference finals.
Since 2005-06, one appearance.
Larry Pleau = Don Waddell!
Since the 1979 NHL Entry Draft, the following No. 1 overall picks traded before their 25th birthday year are: Rob Ramage, Doug Wickenheiser, Brian Lawton, Joe Murphy, Pierre Turgeon, Mats Sundin, Owen Nolan, Eric Lindros, Roman Hamrlik, Alexandre Daigle, Ed Jovanovski, Bryan Berard Patrik Stefan and now Eirk Johnson. That’s 14 players
Age when traded: Dale Hawerchuk (27), Wendell Clark (28), Joe Thornton (26), Ilya Kovalchuk (26)
Not traded: Chris Phillips, Mike Modano, Vincent Lecavalier, Rick DiPietro, Nash, Kane, Crosby, Ovechkin, MA Fleury, Tavares, Stamkos and Hall.
Puckshmuck
February 19th, 2011
1:20 pm
ATLANTA TO WINNIPEG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WOOT!!!!!
GO JETS GO!!!!!
CanuckfromEdmonton
February 19th, 2011
1:24 pm
So if Atlanta relocates a second time, does this mean that the NHL will never return to that market again?
Smoothie
February 19th, 2011
1:34 pm
Blues are still looking for ownership help, are they not? EJ was overpaid relative to his impact and moving him now to get a very reasonably priced Stewart (who won’t have much leverage for a huge raise after this injury-plagued year) and Shattenkirk who is still on his ELC. Blues may try to move even more salary if they keep fading further and further behind the pack. I’d love to swoop in and get either D’Agostini or Sobotka but alas, those two have very cheap contracts.
R. Stroz
February 19th, 2011
1:35 pm
Sign Idea Number 4:
If You Buy Them
We Will Come
Red Light
February 19th, 2011
1:36 pm
A history lesson about the St. Louis Blues.
Franchise opened for the 1967-68 season for $2 million expansion fee and the owner bought the St. Louis Arena from the Wirtz family (Blackhawks) for $4 million.
After a financially devastating 1976-77 season that saw the Blues pare down their staff to three employees, general manager Emile Francis (former coach and GM of the Rangers) was able to convince Ralston Purina chairman R. Hal Dean to invest in the team.
In 1981-82, Dean retired and Ralston Purina soon lost interest in hockey. Citing losses of $1.8 million per year, the company put the team up for sale. When the league blocked the sale of the Blues to Saskatoon interests in 1983, the company padlocked the Checkerdome and left the franchise on the NHL’s doorstep. The Blues, with their ownership unresolved, did not participate in the 1983 NHL Entry Draft. Entrepreneur Harry Ornest bought the franchise off the scrap heap.
In 1986, he too decided to move on and sold he team to a local ownership group led by Michael Shanahan during the 1986-87 season.
The team’s success in 1990-91 inspired the top St. Louis corporations to come together, buy the team from Shanahan and build the new Kiel Center (now the Scottrade Center), which opened in downtown St. Louis in 1994.
In September, 1999, the consortium of 19 St. Louis companies which owned the Blues and the Kiel Center announced that the team and the rink had been sold to Bill and Nancy Laurie.
Dave Checketts and SCP Worldwide (SCP) were officially introduced as the new owners of the St. Louis Blues and Savvis Center on June 30, 2006.
Meaning: It ain’t over yet!
Red Light
February 19th, 2011
1:37 pm
…for Atlanta!
Brendan
February 19th, 2011
1:41 pm
Red Light, I totally forgot that Wendell Clark went 1st overall. How’d I forget that? He was one of my favorite players. Why would anyone trade him, I do have to wonder. Also, what idiot GM traded Dale Hawerchuk?
Good research though. Unless the GM is trading a player for “mitigating circumstances,” such as “character issues-trouble with the law or drugs or booze,” “player refuses to play or re-sign,” or “excessive injuries,” I just can’t wrap my head around trading a former 1st overall. Either the NHL Central Scouting was just plain, flatout WRONG on Erik Johnson … or the Blues got fleeced. I guess time will tell. And that 1st rounder … could very seriously be a Top 10 overall pick coming back to Colorado. Coughing up a Top 10 pick for Shattenkirk and Chris Stewart is a hefty-enough price, before they threw in Erik Johnson. They essentially gave him away.
Always Hoping
February 19th, 2011
1:47 pm
Sign idea #5:
Who needs the Spirit
We have the FURY
SAVE OUR THRASHERS
LAC
February 19th, 2011
1:48 pm
Bill, I understans exactly what you are getting at 100%. But in ALL honesty how can you go to
an event at Philips after his comments against the fans of all people. Can those jerks not admit any guilt ???
Trading Jack Johnson would be like trading zach B. No different. If you can get a solid asset in return, then do the deal. Plus Johnson is a lot like zach B. watched a Blues game recently and Johnson was a half step behind and could never hit the net from the point. Plus he, like zach B. would never hit anyone with any degree force. I see a lot of the same in zach B. Stewart was injured when we played Colorado, so we did not see him and the D-man they got set a Colorado franchise record for consecutive game scoring earlier in the season. I just wonder who might get left behind in Edmonton, at the VERY least, asg would not have to pay for a plane ticket to Atlanta… That way it could pay for my seat at the game.
alex
February 19th, 2011
1:49 pm
I’ll be here Friday, agree 100% with rawhide when you best friend in distress it’s time to be with, when he is OK, you yo choose. however i feel asg weasels won again, my opinion, NHL already made decision about thrashers future and no way back. why it’s against Atlanta, but for phoenix, pittsburg, tampa, etc., i don’t know. secondary and let me repeat again, you free to hate kovy, but only reason he overpriced himself in negotiations with dw he didn’t get guarantee to be in Atlanta during contract years. he liked be in Atlanta not in Winnipeg, and you can boo kovy for being loyal to Atlanta unlike heatley, hossa and applaud sorry dw like you did on last sth meeting.
Brendan
February 19th, 2011
1:50 pm
It’s my opinion that Doug Armstrong can’t and won’t fix the St. Louis Blues. I don’t have an answer for that one. Despite what we saw in Calgary, I always thought that Darryl Sutter was a good hockey man. Understands the dynamics of running an NHL team. He overpaid for a few players, and it sank him. I’m not saying Darryl Sutter could fix the Blues, either. Is Dale Tallon still looking for a job?
I don’t know what to say. I wish the St. Louis Blues every success. That franchise needs to catch a break, and soon. Their last trip to the Finals was 1970, back when 12 teams were in the league, and one conference was exclusively that of the Expansion teams. I guess the thinking there was … the six new teams wouldn’t have anything to cheer about for a decade, if they had to be going up head-to-head with the “Original Six” teams, so … they made a Conference where the expansion clubs would battle each other … for the right to be annihilated in the Finals. The result? St. Louis won all three years, and went 0-12 in Finals. The experiment was declared “over” at that point. The Finals were a foregone conclusion, that nobody cared about.
Uncle Milty
February 19th, 2011
1:51 pm
http://blogs.ajc.com/iceman-thrashers-blog/2011/01/12/could-it-be-the-mayflower-trucks-arent-coming-after-all/
The above blog post by your Ice Man is about to be proven as being incredibly ironic.
Brendan
February 19th, 2011
2:01 pm
Red Light, I always know I can count on your for a great history recap of the St. Louis Blues. That, was well done, sir. God Bless the Saint Louis Blues.
Rawhide
February 19th, 2011
2:12 pm
Uncle Milty - And as I did for some other good people from your town back then, I will also invite you to return next winter and explain why the Thrashers still are not in Winnipeg.
If you’re wondering…no I’m not happy with what has gone down this week. But I’m not sure all is lost here yet. Regardless, I just don’t see the NHL abandoning this market for Winnipeg. That’s not a slap at your fine city…but there’s a reason they let the Jets leave for Phoenix and I don’t think the situation is there for a return.
You will obviously disagree….but, then that’s your right.
Now, I’m off to enjoy today’s game with some friends at a local watering hole.
Sage of Bluesland
February 19th, 2011
2:32 pm
Thank you for the very generous offer, Red Light….I just may be there already (i.e. on my own dime)…I haven’t decided. I’m certainly tempted for all the good reasons listed.
I’ve also thought about this “one last time” sentiment.
I got so mad at Kincade and Gearon a couple of days ago, I was against even that.
I’ve got to think about it some more. I do agree that the ’sustainable’ part has merit (i.e. it should be for all remaining games to make an impact on a potential investor)….but, then again, I want this ownership to lose as much money as possible. I abhor filling the coffers for those who don’t deserve it. But, this team does provide an entertainment option and I do not want it to leave, in the end.
I’ll see what my original hockey-tutor is doing (who lurks here and may even post a time or two)….maybe my wife….It’s great food-for-thought…
Rusty
February 19th, 2011
2:35 pm
I agree…pack it out. Don’t let them blame it on us. It’s the product. These Thrashers do work hard, but I’ve heard enough from the broadcast team about “effort.” You are measured only by Ws and Ls.. Acknowledge the obvious:. this team lacks the skill to compete in this league on a nighly basis. That’s management’s fault. And, Dudley fits right in. ASG treats this operation like a hobby instead of a business Dudley thinks its a hiring hall for his friends. Meanwhile, poor Craig Ramsey doesn’t have a clue what strings to pull.. And somehow all these isues are our fault. Of course, those stupid Canadians in Winnipeg will show up regardless of the product.. Oh, I forgot. They already lost one franchise there for non-support.
R. Stroz
February 19th, 2011
2:37 pm
Another reason to Save The Thrashers: Read the Last Two Comments
http://bluelandblog.com/2010/04/11/kiss-cam-couple-wins-7th-man-award/
Don’t let the Spirit Clowns break the Benning’s hearts.
Sharon
February 19th, 2011
2:38 pm
“Sign Idea Number 4:
If You Buy Them
We Will Come”
Bingo! Love it!
Red Light
February 19th, 2011
2:51 pm
Oh, I don’t know, but I kinda like the Blues roster going forward. Jackman is the oldest d-man at 29, and McDonald is the oldest forward at 33. Insert the injured David Perron, Basil McRae’s 20-year-old son Phillip, defensemen Ian Cole and Brett Ponich, and this is a young roster that can grow together.
Oshie, Backes, Stewart, Pietrangelo, D’agostini, Berglund, Steen, Polak, Shattenkirk is a pretty darn good young group if they can stay healthy!
T.J. Oshie • Alex Steen • Patrik Berglund • Chris Stewart • Brad Winchester • Andy McDonald
• Vladimir Sobotka • Brad Boyes • David Backes • B.J. Crombeen• Matt D’Agostini
Alex Pietrangelo • Barret Jackman
Kevin Shattenkirk • Carlo Colaiacovo
Roman Polak • Nikita Nikitin
Jaroslav Halak • Ty Conklin
Puckshmuck
February 19th, 2011
2:52 pm
It was inevitable that this relocation would happen.
Money
February 19th, 2011
2:53 pm
Boycotting is stupid unless you want the thrashers out of here
Red Light
February 19th, 2011
2:54 pm
Sage…Think of it this way…your appearance at the game is like adding insult to their injury LOL
Before the national anthem, a moment of silence should be in order on Friday night!
Rawhide
February 19th, 2011
3:00 pm
Sage - If indeed you are there…please look me up. I’d love to meet ya.
Sharon
February 19th, 2011
3:28 pm
Sage and LAC, we all despise putting money into the Spirit’s coffers, but… we’re not doing this to help them, at this point we must help ourselves.
If Thrashers fans want to prove that this is a viable hockey market, then we need to either show up or shut up. Right now.
Smoothie
February 19th, 2011
3:34 pm
OMG! The “wizard” behind the curtain DOES have a heart!
I. AM. STUNNED
GSUEagle
February 19th, 2011
3:48 pm
Great idea and great ticket deal. I’m there. To hell with ASG!!
Tom
February 19th, 2011
4:19 pm
Sage, here is your alternative.
Go to Stub Hub and get your tickets there. This way you will not be giving any new money to the Thrasher’s organization and you can attend the game and raise your voice.
A win win…
Uncle Milty
February 19th, 2011
4:32 pm
Quote = Rawhide: “That’s not a slap at your fine city…but there’s a reason they let the Jets leave for Phoenix and I don’t think the situation is there for a return.”
Apparently you’ve zero clue. The reason the team left was a Canadian dollar that was 60 cents to the US dollar, the team played in an ancient arena that was owned by the city and offered the owner zero revenue other than ticket sales. Now the Canadian dollar happens to be worth more than your own, the city has a new arena owned by TNSE – one they derive every dollar from, and TNSE also just happen to be the ones trying to buy your team. In fact, 50% of the TNSE group just happens to be the 20th richest man in the world, David Thomson. How is your list of prospective ownership… just so we may compare?
Uncle Milty
February 19th, 2011
4:43 pm
Quote = Rawhide “I will also invite you to return next winter and explain why the Thrashers still are not in Winnipeg.”
Why would I wait that long? I’ll be back within the next 60 days when you will be writing the Thrashers postmortem. I promise to hold off partaking of my morning beverage until after I do so though. Otherwise, I’d be likely to snarf hot coffee through my nose while trying to hold back an outburst of uncontrollable laughter. And doing something like that would constitute taking a shot at your own fine city.
Alan R.
February 19th, 2011
4:44 pm
Don’t put the cart before the horse, Milty. It’s not game over here yet.
Brendan
February 19th, 2011
4:49 pm
2-0, Thrashers!! Goals by Byfuglien and Ladd. Mason, performing adequately. So, here it is. We’re playing a bottom-feeder “lottery draft” team, we have the lead … and we’re 38 minutes from regulation. This is our season. Why ’sugarcoat’ that? If we lose this team, when will our next win matter? Carolina is already at 64-points. The Sabres still have games-in-hand.
We’ve already squandered so many, many, many chances at this point. Honestly, six wins in the last 24 games?? That’s 6-13-5, for a .354 clip. There’s no way that kind of percentage can get it done. We basically have to go 17-7, the rest of the way.
Rawhide, I’m with you. I don’t think this team is gone. Certainly, not by next season. That’s a pipe dream. Could 2012-13 be elsewhere? Maybe. But I still wouldn’t bet on it.
Re: One game vs. selling out the rest of the way … we gotta sellout the rest of the way. But, how does public perception change? Not really on a dime. It takes time, and “positive reinforcement” that the AS,LLC is actually TRYING again. For this ownership, they’re in “show me, don’t tell me” status with most fans. Saying things like, “We’ve got cap space” doesn’t matter. What matters is making the trades that bring in the payroll. These acquisitions of Stuart and Wheeler are a fine start. Two weeks too late??? Better “late” than never?? Well, not if we miss the playoffs. Then “too late” MATTERED.
Red Light, re: Blues … don’t we always say that about them? Things like, “Look at their potential!” “Look how young they are!” “Things are certainly headed in the right direction.” “The sun is rising in the ‘Show Me’ State!” All that works ‘just fine’ when a franchise is less than a decade old. But into their 5th decade, that talk wears thin. The Don Waddell classic, “I think we’re close, real close” to being a playoff team is like hearing … “Tomorrow’s forecast … sunny to party cloudly, a slight breeze, with a 10-percent chance of rain.”
What does that forecast really mean???? It’s not saying ANNNNYTHING. If it’s sunny, it’s sunny for 2 hours. If it’s partly-cloudy, it’s partly cloudy. A breeze always comes and goes. And a 10-percent chance of rain means … that when you get soaked, because you left your umbrella at home, that the meteorologist is off the hook. After all, he did tell you … there was a TEN PERCENT chance of rain. That’s the history of the St. Louis Blues. Shining moments of wonderfulness, followed by disappointment, and improper planning. And bad luck. That’s it, in a nutshell, Red Light. I wish St. Louis the very best. But it never happens for them. The Blues are in their 43rd season. Makes the failures of the Atlanta Thrashers tolerable. Just think, Thrasher fans, 32 more years of failing to win the Cup, and we’ll tie the Blues!!! And L.A. Kings. And Toronto Maple Leafs.
LAC
February 19th, 2011
4:58 pm
Excellent game to this point, should have at least 2 more goals, But good coverage.
Odd to see 7 D-men today, maybe they are showcasing one.
Mason has looked good on a couple tough saves.
Did see Gary Bettman on Oilers TV during the first… Was All for a NEW Building in Edmonton,
but Nothing was said about Atlanta and the ownership issues.
Wheeler has looked good and Stuart dropped the gloves after that questionable hit on Kane…
Keep it up, We NEED these 2 points !!!!!
Sharon
February 19th, 2011
5:09 pm
I didn’t catch it, so who is Bettman sitting in the stands with? They seem to be having a lively conversation.