What could brutally good owners do for Thrashers fans?
In the almost four full seasons that I have had the pleasure of hosting this little blog-thingy, we’ve discussed numerous varying topics here. We’ve debated the skills and value of countless players as well as certain coaching strategies, and we’ve shared thoughts on draft picks and trades possibilities. While we’ve many times found ourselves having to simply agree to disagree on whatever the issue of the day was, there is one subject that most of us have always found common ground on.
That common ground being… our general distain for the current Thrashers ownership group.
However, as Chris Vivlamore has reported recently reported, there are as many as five entities that have express interest in purchasing the team and ridding Thrasherville of the Atlanta Spirit, LLC, (Lies, Lawsuits and Contempt) once and for all. That day cannot come soon enough…but I do believe it is indeed coming.
Young Jack deserves brutally good owners for a change. If so, his mom and dad would probably have him at more games (Photo by Keith Woldrop and used with the permission of Heather and Ryan Anderson)
But once that day does arrive…and then eventually passes…there will be quite a lot of work required to undo what the AS. LLC have done to this organization and it’s fan base. The damage is extensive, but not beyond repair.
With that in mind, the question I would pose to you this morning is this: If you had the ear of [insert name of possible new owner(s) here], what changes would you suggest they take under consideration? Such an opportunity could come during a town hall meeting…something Don Waddell and the Spiriteers have denied us the pleasure of this year for some odd reason.
What’s that you say out there? “Ice a winning team and the fans will come”.
Yes, yes, yes…winning more games will do wonders to eliminate empty seats in Philips Arena. But until a history of success is established here, there is going to have to be certain changes made in order to address the very serious issue of attendance.
Increasing the payroll would probably be the first thing many of you would offer up to any new owner. We’ve been at or near the bottom of the league minimum for the last several seasons, and we’ve seen what’s come from operating a franchise on a bargain-basement budget.
It gets you a one-way ticket to the bottom of the standings, an early spring tee-time and many times another trip to Lotterypickville.
So payroll is a good place to start for owners, I’m sure we call all agree. But for the sake of this exercise, what I’m looking from you are no-cost, common sense ideas that will increase attendance and better the overall experience at Thrashers games in the here-and-now.
For example, here are three things I would toss out there that don’t come with a price tag and could very possibly have positive results:
First off, I would remove that hideous black curtain that blocks off the 400 sections atop Philips Arena…the Curtain of Shame, as I refer to it. It was placed there at the beginning of the season in order to move the paying customers closer to the ice as to make the place looking less empty.
Let’s just say…mission not accomplished.
Instead I think it would be a good idea to open it up, even if it’s just for $5 general admission seating. Something is always better than nothing when it comes to selling tickets and bringing in possible new fans. It would make for a great place for the many college students in our area to meet to enjoy the game, or even just for those who are otherwise on a tight budget these days.
Ian, (also known as Badger Bob on this blog), joins his wife, son and friend celebrating an Eric Boulton goal earlier this season. I'm sure they will celebrate new ownership as well (AJC photo)
If you get even 1,000 fans to part ways with an Abe Lincoln to see NHL hockey, then you’ve made five grand that night. Plus, once in the building, those people will add to concession sales.
On top of that, you’ve allowed your product to be viewed by those who might otherwise not pony up the money for more expensive seats…and maybe they’ll like what they see enough to return. If they do, maybe…just maybe… they’ll pay a few more bucks to sit a little closer.
Either way…I would say, “Mr. New Owner, tear down this curtain”!
One other no-cost suggestion I’d make is to start all weeknight home games at 7:30. I’ve been on the fence on this subject in years past, but now I’m convinced the puck drop needs to be backed up 30 minutes.
The logic of starting games at 7:00, so I’ve been told, is to allow families enough time to get the kiddies back home after games in time to tuck them in bed at a decent time. Nice thought, but the thousands of empty seats that greet us every Monday through Thursday night scream that the strategy is not working.
Traffic in Atlanta is a nightmare. And for many, public transit is not a viable option. Cars are our freedom and most of us use them to get to work every day. Trying to get back home afterwards, gather the spouse and tax-exemptions, then get down to the arena for at start time just after 7 pm creates a serious logistical challenge. Especially if your looking to grab dinner before the game.
If fans aren’t bringing the family, 7:30 start times would allow enough time to enjoy a nice sit down meal with friends after work…maybe an adult beverage or two…before they head to the arena in time for the start of the game.
7:00 Saturday starts are fine…and I like Sunday matinees.
There has always been a special connection with the Thrashers players and their fans. With the right ownership leading the organization, that connection can be made even stronger for generations to come (Photo Michelle Rivers)
Lastly, I would like to see any new owner insist that whomever owns the television rights to Thrashers games air all 41 away games. Even if it means they cut back on a few home games on TV, there is no reason that Thrashers fans cannot watch their team play every out-of-town games without having to drop major coin on the NHL Center Ice package.
At the beginning of this season, just after the home opening win against the Washington Capitals and trip to Tampa the following night, the Thrashers embarked on a three game swing out on the left coast. Those three battles in L.A., Anaheim and San Jose were not televised locally, and because of it most Thrashers fans were unable to see two very exciting wins and Anthony Stewart’s hat trick.
That’s really not the way you want too follow up on the excitement that comes with opening the season with a thrilling win over the defending division champs and the anticipation that comes with a brand new NHL campaign.
Again, the best thing any possible new owner can do is to do whatever is necessary to help bring in a winning team. Ws in the standings have a way of curing just about everything that ails a franchise. But there are still things that they could do to mend a lot of wounds that the current ownership cluster have inflicted upon the good people of Thrasherville.
I’ve listed just a few…I’m sure you have some of your own to offer up.
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221 comments Add your comment
ben
March 23rd, 2011
9:47 am
sniper i vote sniper.
Rawhide
March 23rd, 2011
10:00 am
Over the last day or so, there have been some great comments regarding what our possible new owners could do to help make the Thrashers experience a better one here in Atlanta. I knew I could count on you guys…well done.
Now, one issue that always seems to come up when we discuss such things is the Blew Crew…specifically speaking, their attire.
While I understand and respect the “con” side of this discussion, I simply have to disagree. I have no issue whatsoever with these young ladies and their role in Thrashers games. I’ve gotten to know quite a few of them over the years and they are really outstanding ladies.
As for the “eye-candy” aspect of the BC….shrugs…again, I have no issue at all with thet either. Other pro sports have “cheerleaders” or other such ladies present at the games. Why should hockey be any different?
The other reason I have no problem at all with the Blue Crew….the Divine Mrs. R has no issue with them, so I’m allowed to have no issue with them.
SportsFan
March 23rd, 2011
10:04 am
So you say they aren’t moving and that there are potential owners “out there”…so who? What makes you so confident?
Zombie Steve
March 23rd, 2011
10:14 am
If there is one thing about this franchise that is consistently better than other NHL teams I’ve seen, it’s our ice girls. =D
Rawhide
March 23rd, 2011
10:16 am
SportsFan – Yes…I’m saying I do not believe thay are moving. As far as just who is going to rid us of the Spirit Clowns…like everyone else, I’ve seen the reports that Chris Vivlamore has put out citing up to 5 possible intities that have started the initial stages of moving in that direction. Is anything “immenent”, no. They are at the beginning stages.
I have heard other stories and whispers…but I’m not at liberty to divulge. I’m simply sitting back and watching how it all unfolds, just like every other Thrashers fan.
Smoothie
March 23rd, 2011
10:23 am
Actually, my g/f marvels at the girls’ boobs more than I do! Probably because it’s far more awkward if I make that a conversation starter: “hey hon, did you see the new knockers on Candy? Wow!” I would probably have to pay a hefty penance for that one!
Anyway, so much “good stuff” in this blog, too bad 680 the Fan, our FLAGSHIP STATION, wouldn’t know a hockey puck from a sausage biscuit from Hardee’s! New owners need to make it very clear to Mr. Dickey that they make a concerted effort to talk some hockey at least once in every 3 hour span of the day. Morning drive should have a hockey segment, but doesn’t (Mazzone is an embarassment as the stodgy, out of touch, faltering old man), Chuck & Chernoff do nothing but talk football and occasionally baseball and Buck Belue would rather poke knitting needles in his eyes than talk anything besides the two big sports. For a major station in a major market to not talk all 4 major sports during the majority of their broadcast day is a joke and an insult to sports fans. The new owners and management need to be much more aggressive in how they promote their team on the radio, on the local news and in the community in general. Take it to the streets and have some fun!
Come on “Balkan”, you have all the advice and insight you need from this here blog, NOW GET ‘ER DONE!!!!
Joe McGrath
March 23rd, 2011
10:45 am
Speaking of Da Boomer, Preds, etc., I watched the Preds game last night and came to a conclusion that would satisfy many people’s notion that the Thrashers need a full-time “face.” The Thrashers broadcast crew should be that face. The Preds have Pete Weber doing the play-by-play and Terry Crisp as color analyst. Those two remind me so much of Jiggs and Boom Boom. Weber is smooth as silk and Crispy is nothing short of the most perfect color analyst a hockey organization could have for TV broadcasts. Crispy is very well admired and respected by everyone in that organization and you can tell it by the interviews. I like Elliot–he’s a smart guy and has a great knowledge of the game, but he comes off as smug. Matt has even grown on me, but we all know his caliber of game-calling isn’t top notch. What the broadcast team lacks is some soul, some home cooking. Bring in a guy who used to play for the Thrashers (Sherrif, Chicken Parm? Lysiak?) and I think you’d have that face of the franchise.
tommy2tone
March 23rd, 2011
10:47 am
Move them to Gwinnett! Downtown sucks! It’s a nightmare to get to the arena, and the philosophy (other than cheap land) of having major sporting events downtown has failed! The fans and money are in the suburb’s.
And as for the Gladiators? Move them to the Ice Form, it holds about as many people that go to their games now.
tonyb
March 23rd, 2011
10:49 am
Rawhide- Are the stories and whispers positive, as in team is staying, or negative, as they are moving? A one word response is all that is needed.
tonyb
March 23rd, 2011
10:53 am
Uncle Milty, and all other Winnipeg wishful thinkers. Do you think the NHL will trade a town like Atlanta, with 6 million in metro area and one of the top 10 cities in the world for a town of 600,000 in the middle of nowhere? That lost a team 15 years ago because of lack of support. Seriously? Trust me on this, something will get done in the ATL.
Rawhide
March 23rd, 2011
11:02 am
tonyb – Positive.
tonyb
March 23rd, 2011
11:12 am
Rawhide-Thank you
Thrashers27
March 23rd, 2011
11:12 am
Tonyb, I don’t know that anyone would qualify Atlanta as “top 10 in the world”. Nation, sure, but not world. As for the comparison to Winnipeg, well there is no comparison when you’re talking about population size. Thrashers will live on in Atlanta and hopefully, with quality ownership.
Boy, am I tired of hearing about these ASG bungholes and the shame they’ve brought upon the hockey world. Can’t wait to see who’s going to help us kick them to the curb and make The Thrashers into a successful hockey team.
Joe McGrath
March 23rd, 2011
11:19 am
@Smoothie, agreed. Basically, Thrasherville needs a mayor. A politician. A quick-witted, former player (Thrasher, Flame, or Knight) who knows Atlanta/Georgia.Southeast because they live in the area. This person’s job is color analyst in the TV broadcast booth, and a spokesman to the local media. He never answers direct questions about the team because he’s not involved in operations, he’s a broadcaster and he only gives opinions. He must be able to BS with the best of them. This person CANNOT be tied to the organization in any capacity other than broadcasting/community relations. People love the Terry Crisps, Don Cherrys, Don Merideths, Bob Uekers, Al Hroboskys. I guarantee if the Thrashers employed Crispy, Belue would WANT to spend 20 minutes a couple of times week talking about the Thrashers and hockey. Hockey people by nature are timid around the media. However, anyone can receive broadcast training, acting lessons, and learn the ropes of media and civic relations. Find a quick-witted ex-Thrasher who can convey his knowledge/opinion of hockey to various levels of audiences, who can tell old war stories and easily schmooze with the media, civic clubs, politicians and fans, and you’ve got good, free publicity.
tonyb
March 23rd, 2011
11:31 am
Thrashers27 Ok, lets see. Capital of the southern region of the US. A region I may add, that has had incredible growth over the past 40 years and continues to grow at an enormous rate. Headquarters to massive international corporations like Turner, Coke, Home Depot, UPS, etc. An Olympic city. Did I forget to mention a massive media outlet, thanks to CNN, weather channel, etc etc. Oh, forget, of the fortune top 1000 companies, 750 have offices in Atlanta. Do I need to keep going on here.
World Be Free
March 23rd, 2011
11:34 am
Joe McGrath-beauty is in the eye of the beholder when it comes to the Preds’ announcing team. I despise Weber from my Buffalo days, Crisp was smart to get out of coaching and into broadcating. Ken Daniels, the voice of the Red Wings did the Caps/Flyers game last night. It was amazing how good Daniels sounded with Eliot; Daniels and Mickey Redmond together are hard to take-too much Red Wing “homer” in both of them. Daniels formerly was a sports announcer in Tronna.
No slap on the Red Wings, just their announcers as a team.
World Be Free
March 23rd, 2011
11:34 am
Mr. Rawhide, new blog soon?
Rawhide
March 23rd, 2011
11:48 am
WBF – Probably not until tonight ot tomorrow morning as we prepare for a back-to-back set against the Islanders and Canucks. Withe 5 days off, I wanted this one to hang for a couple of days anyway.
I just got off the phone with someone downtown in the Thrashers ticket & marketing department. They told me that a few people there have read what you guys have posted up here. So maybe it has served a purpose.
Smoothie
March 23rd, 2011
12:05 pm
Joe M – Garnet Exelby is your man, he just needs to give it up and realize his future is as Thrasherville’s Ron Burgundy. And he’s an extremely nice guy! I bumped into him during my 2nd date with my soon to be fiancee and he actually took the time to come back from the front door to our table and introduce himself to us after I slipped a little “Go Thrashers and good luck in Philly” comment to him as he was passing by. Of course, that was the night before they got drilled 7 to zip I think, but he could not have been nicer when he shook our hands and introduced himself. K-belle was duly impressed, thought I had some special connections or something!
ManUp
March 23rd, 2011
12:09 pm
** SomaAtl95 ** – - More good points in your post and I like the Matt McConnell comments — so tired of the “confidence” remarks and the over usage of other terms as well. Bless his heart, he tries his best but his enthusiasm is contrived and he makes too many unforced errors. But they probably got him “on the cheap” which is the typical process of the Thrasher organization.
Smoothie
March 23rd, 2011
12:10 pm
WBF – I was wondering who that was! Daniels was fine on VS and makes a good tandem with Eliot. Seems like the guys who broadcast in the big traditional markets are terrible homers across the board. Still for my money, Hahn and Remenda are the best, bar none.
Joe McGrath
March 23rd, 2011
12:15 pm
@ Smoothie, so X is back in Atlanta?
AtlFlamesFan
March 23rd, 2011
12:17 pm
I do not like the chit-chat going on during the play. Sometimes it is hard to see the players numbers and play-by-play would help.
I loved Jiggs. But my all-time favorite is the late Dan Kelly of the Blues. If you have ever seen the video of Bobby Orr’s “THE GOAL” (youtube.com/watch?v=1ZR2MGFDTYE), the announcer is Kelly. (NOTE: Former Blue and Atlanta Flame Tim Ecclestone #14 is between the faceoff circles when the goal is scored!)
Kelly’s two sons are following in their dad’s footsteps, and they sound just like their dad. I would love for one of them to call Thrasher games.
Nate
March 23rd, 2011
12:20 pm
The real question is…who will be available in this summer’s draft for picks 4-8. Any solid talent out there for the Thrashers to pick up there? A playmaking center maybe?
World Be Free
March 23rd, 2011
12:22 pm
Thanks Rawhide-just wondering when I have to be creative again.
Yeah Smoothie, Daniels is real good. We have talked about Mickey Redmond before. He was great with Hockey Night in Canada in the 80’s, before HNIC became the “homer hockey network”. Redmond went to Detroit and became a cheerleader.
How tough was the Sabres’ loss on Ramsay and Dudley? Both guys played for Buffalo and both were let go by the Sabres. You think they take ANY loss to the Sabres personally?
Smoothie
March 23rd, 2011
12:24 pm
I’m sure it was a somber occasion on the evening Martin’s number was painted on the ice for the 1st time. Talk about pinching a giant turd.
Smoothie
March 23rd, 2011
12:26 pm
@ JoeM – he’s still toiling as an Ice Hog in the ‘A’…at least Ex knew how to bludgeon an opponent’s forwards for getting too “Gerbe wit it” in the crease.
World Be Free
March 23rd, 2011
12:39 pm
Smoothie-that’s a good one !
Jerry Landfill
March 23rd, 2011
12:55 pm
How about don waddell in a dunk tank!!
ZAvalanche
March 23rd, 2011
12:58 pm
RL, as per your question regarding what we should take in the draft if we get a #1: Absolutely has to be top D that is big and fast and has no problem not scoring goals. Some people have been giving Pavs a hard time and as I have said before, very few NHL goalies in history can carry a team with a weak D game after game. GloveSave, do you agree with me on this?
Hope that you all were able to see the Avs-Jackets game last night. Holy Cardiac Kids! Yeah I will admit it, I may have to wear Depends (TM) while watching my 2 favorite teams. This is why I love hockey, the Avs are totally out of it and could throw games for the higher probability at a #1 pick, but hockey players have pride and never stop. Can I nominate Matt Duchene bad-a$$ of the week? Yes I can. That kid is absolutely killing it.
Thrashers27
March 23rd, 2011
1:20 pm
Tony,
I’m well aware of the “massive media outlet” you speak of. I worked for them for many years.
I’m not denying that it’s a top ten market in the US, but not in the world…When measured by population size (which is the standard for marketing) Atlanta isn’t half the size of #10 Shanghai, China. While it is a sizeable city with great assets, Atlanta barely holds a place in the top ten markets in the U.S., let alone the world.
Take a look at this list. Wikipedia isn’t always the most reliable, but I think it makes my point. Atlanta is nowhere near one of the top ten in the world.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_metropolitan_areas_by_population
Anyhoo, we’re on the same page. I agree with you that our beloved Thrashers will find new ownership and endure and hopefully, be hugely successful. I think all of us who have been loyal fans for so long are ready for that.
Joe McGrath
March 23rd, 2011
1:23 pm
@ZAvs, I saw it. Tied game with 3.3, then the shoot-out. Good game. But I disagree with your pick. I think we need scoring forward because we’re looking OK on D. Redmond is looking very good and will likely be up in a couple years. Postma and Kulda may make the squad next year. If we can get Bogo up-to-speed and playing like a 28 year old at age 21 instead of a 15 year old at age 20, and we have still have Toby and Stuart, then we have a decent core.
the Captain
March 23rd, 2011
1:52 pm
This one has dove me nuts for a while now. Advertise the games (and team) during something other than the televised game! The only time I se ads for the thrashers is during a thrasher game, ah talk about preaching to the quire. Perhaps run some of those commercials when people who are not already invested in hockey may see them?
SomaAtl95
March 23rd, 2011
2:02 pm
ManUp – Thanks! I don’t dislike McConnell, I just don’t think him D.E. and J.K. make a good broadcast team. MM reminds me of a strange cross between Darren Pang and Forrest Gump. Someone who was on the ice as an Atlanta player is what the trolls should be hearing when they mock our broadcast. A respected former player has more knowledge of Atlanta being a hockey town than anyone else would.
Since 24/7 Pens/Caps is up for some emmys I think HBO should follow the Yotes and Thrashers for a few weeks next season (call it a “Battle of the Bruised”) so that the rest of the hockey ravenous world can have myths dispelled about our cities, teams and us fans…. unfortunately if HBO were to do it again it would be for the Winter Classic (AKA the Pens vs Some other team), but showing 2 cities with targets on their backs could do wonders – besides, I wonder if Rammer drops F-Bombs like Brucie B when things aren’t going so well…..
Joe McGrath
March 23rd, 2011
2:28 pm
@Soma, that’s a great angle. However, would Bettman allow it? I think he would…he’s a pretty media savy guy for a lawyer.
Smoothie
March 23rd, 2011
2:31 pm
@soma / JoeMc – I like it! Behind the scenes with special footage featuring Usher, Bieber and Ludacris! Can you imagine the ratings for some of that sh!te?? Bettman should be begging Bieber/Usher to buy the whole kitten caboodle. And HBO would set ratings records! I bet some interchanges between Big Buff and Toby Enstrom might be quite humorous. I can see Toby in my head telling Buff to “go eff himself” a la Duper greeting Geno in the room. And you know hi-jinks are taking place when it comes to Kaner, Stewy and Inspector Lee!! LOL
Red Light
March 23rd, 2011
2:36 pm
I’m sure many of you filled out your bracket for the NCAA tournament, and I hope you had better luck than I did. But, during the past few seasons, some friends of mine and I have attempted to pick the Stanley Cup playoffs much in the same manner. We pick the series winners prior to the start of the playoffs, and gain escalating points for each correct pick and the number of games in which the series are decided.
To prepare you for the upcoming playoffs, I examined each of the past 20 playoffs seasons, and you should get a sense of what teams can win, and those who can’t based upon historical trends since 1990. Enjoy!
http://sportssoutheast.com/index.php/red-light-report/59-nhl/251-a-stanley-cup-bracket-challenge
SomaAtl95
March 23rd, 2011
2:38 pm
It would give the new owners of both teams media exposure. I’ll admit, up until 24/7 I disliked the Caps as much as I will always dislike the Pens. By the time New Years Day got here I was rooting for the Caps. The follow up (and final) episode of 24/7 was the best hour of non-game hockey programming I have ever seen… I think I relished the hit on Cindy in slow mo on HBO more than I enjoyed it watching the game in realtime. The Thrashers may have tanked in the second half, but at least we haven’t been bombarded with “OMG Sid and Geno are teh bombz” like every fairweather fan has done in the past few years. Its been nice. If I had my way Crotchby and Malkin wouldn’t return
Smoothie
March 23rd, 2011
2:48 pm
Okay folks, time to forget about playoffs, as if you haven’t already, and have some fun. Here’s what I suggest for the rest of the year:
We will lose to the Islanders as they have greater depth and even more speed. We are done, too many points behind, not enough games. Call up the Fly (Freddy P) & Postma and let them get some serious TOI to audition for next year. Bench Boulton and Stewart and let Maxwell, Schremp and Pettersson have some fun. Roll these lines, try to gauge chemsitry and have a little fun:
Kane – Little – Stapes
Ladd – Burmy – Wheeler
Schremp – Antro – Freddy P
Dvorak – Maxwell – Thorbs
Hains / Buff
Toby / Bogey
Postie / Stu
Alternate goalies, starting with Mason tomorrow, for the rest of the year. See what happens and go from there. Season is over. Nous allons finissons!
Cliff Fletcher
March 23rd, 2011
2:53 pm
jerry landfill////
-so what’s in the dunk tank?
tonyb
March 23rd, 2011
3:02 pm
Thrashers27 I was not talking in terms of population, but over all importance and influence. But yes, me and you are on the same page, and that’s all that matters.
Zombie Steve
March 23rd, 2011
3:29 pm
Smoothie – I’m glad someone else remembers The Fly! A line with him, Schremp, and Burmy would be a shifty little line.
Red Light
March 23rd, 2011
3:41 pm
If the Wolves make the playoffs, don’t think you’ll see Postma or Pettersson.
Smoothie
March 23rd, 2011
3:56 pm
That’s the point R/L, eff the Wolves! As if there development system has really served us well; we might as well see what they can do. They can still go back to play in the P/O if they make it. I’d settle for Freddy P and Klingberg until they are out mathematically. Klingy can play in his “free” 9 games and then Postie and Kulda come up for the last 4 or 5 of the season? Or can we only call up two more regardless of what happens with their AHL team?
Smoothie
March 23rd, 2011
4:20 pm
Zombie – indeed, I’d bet a line of Schrempy-Burmy-Fly would be quite interesting to see. Lots of skill, but not a lot of size. Works for Buffalo right?!
Red Light
March 23rd, 2011
4:52 pm
I agree with the sentiment, Smoothie, but the company line will be that these young guys need game and playoff experience and don’t see them coming up for more than a game or two. It has been thus, and thus it shall always be. No change.
glovesave29
March 23rd, 2011
4:55 pm
Loved Jiggs, but agree Dan Kelley was the best ever.
Wanna tie the past to the now? Minnesota’s color guy is Mike Greenlay…the hero of the Knights Turner Cup run. Does a great job for the Wild. I like the job Darren Eliot does…prefer to keep him, but Mike would be an inte
Joe McGrath
March 23rd, 2011
4:55 pm
Dont forget F Albert and D Redmond are done at NCAA level and could report to CWolves to free Fly, Postie or Kulda.
glovesave29
March 23rd, 2011
4:56 pm
resting connection to our hockey past. But so would Tim Ecclestone…
Brendan
March 23rd, 2011
5:28 pm
Red Light, two awesome posts, and two good links today. I must have been channeling you today, Red Light, because I’ve been analyzing those “prospective” 1st round matchups like crazy today. They’ll all be great series. But I stunned myself and my own conclusions. And I know I’m headed for disaster this year, pickswise, since I did well last year. I only average 8.6 wins versus 6.4 losses.
Anywho, my amazing “first glance” analysis had ALL the higher seeded teams advancing. I had to double-check that. But it was true. I had seed 1-4 in the West and 1-4 in the East. See, right there … that’s a 4-4, AT BEST, in the 1st round. It NEVER happens like that. I don’t think it’s EVER happened that way before, but maybe once, in both conferences. And it won’t magically start happening now.
So, I looked at it from the ‘reverse perspective,’ if I took nothing but lower seeded teams, I should probably expect to go 3-5 in the opening round. Gee! Isn’t that fabulous? Take all higher seeds, you wind up 4-4. Take all upsets, you’ll finish 3-5 or 4-4, on average. So, the real trick is … which five “favorites” will win, and which three “underdogs” will pull through.
Granted, I didn’t do indepth analysis, of GF vs. GA, or goals differentials, or special teams play. I did the ol’ “which team’s goalie is better.” Then, “Which team has more depth, if the goaltending matchups are even.” Here were my conclusions. The last team on Earth the Vancouver Canucks (1) want to play is the Anaheim Ducks (8). Anybody but them, and the ‘Couv will win. Jonas Hiller is very well capable of stealing this series for Anaheim. Chicago (7) vs. Detroit (2) is the best candidate, in my opinion, for an overtime game in Game Seven. That’s Turco vs. Jimmy Howard. Turco, historically, underachieves. Jimmy Howard faired well in his 1st postseason play, losing out to the Sharks. San Jose (3) vs. Nashville (6) is Niemi, a Cup winner last year, vs. Pekka Rinne. Historically, the Preds have never won a playoff series. Analysts are saying that this is their breakout year. Maybe. Maybe not. I still say the Sharks are too deep for the Preds, and that Rinne will have to steal it. Red Light, the # 4 vs. # 5 matchup is the one that has me salivating. The Coyotes (4) would host the Kings (5). Phoenix has NOT WON a playoff series since moving to the desert. This time around, they will, if the Kings are their opponent. This, again, will be another nail biter series. I think the Coyotes win Game 7, 2-1, while the Kings frantically try for the equalizer in the final 4 minutes of regulation. Prediction: Coyotes take an early 3-1 series lead, but L.A. wins Game 5 convincingly, then handles its business at home to force Game 7. Love the matchups out West, but I think I go with Vancouver, Detroit, SJ, and Phoenix, 1-4.
Red Light, in the East, there are serious room for discussion of nothing but lower seeds advancing. I’ll grant you that. Goalie wise, Miller, Buffalo Sabres (8), is the winner over “What About Bob?” and Boucher. Is Miller enough, though? I still take the Flyers to win that series. In the # 7 vs. # 2, it’s the NYR at Washington. Goalie-wise, that Lundqvist vs. Varlamov or Neuvirth. I just have no faith in the Rangers. I can’t even believe they’re going to make the playoffs. I gotta think, after last year’s 1st round bouncing, that the Capitals know what’s on the line this year, with a window starting to close. Historically, the Rangers own that series, as the Caps are notorious playoff choke artists. I still take Ovechkin to come through. Then there’s the “Original Six” matchup of Montreal (6) at Boston (3). Gotta admit failure when I commit it. I had Carey Price lined up as the “goat” and his Habs outside of the playoffs this year. How wrong I have been. Halak did not place the Blues in the playoffs, either. So, Montreal is looking good. And we saw them reach the CF last year. On the other side, Red Light, is Tuukka Rask and Tim Thomas. Gotta like Boston’s chances, really. I hope Rich Peverley makes the most of his playoff time in Boston. Tyler Seguin, Chara, the Bruins look good. I’m taking Boston, in 7 games. That leaves the Penguins (4) and the Lightining (5). I like Dwayne Roloson, but this is five years removed from what he did with Edmonton in 2006. I do think goaltending will matter in this series. Fleury has been to three (3) CF and two SCF in his very recent history. Crosby will be back. I have no reason to doubt the Penguins will prevail. Again, that’s seeds 1-4, Philly, Washington, Boston, and Pittsburgh.
As for the playoff advice article, my Finals picks from preseason fit the formula. I have Vancouver (1) vs. San Jose (3) in the West, and Washington (2) vs. (4) Pittsburgh in the East. With that said, watch me lose them all. I got Caps-n-Canucks in the Finals. From preseason, I think I had Capitals and Sharks, with Penguins and Sharks as my 2nd choice. Having Malkin would sure help out the Pens’ cause for another Cup.