Schremp returns to Long Island and helps Thrashers to first regulation win since Feb. 11
So, just how long do you think it’ll take for Rob Schremp to get that smile off of his face?
The former Islander has said he holds nothing against New York for cutting him lose back on February 28. “There are no hard feelings”, he told Chris Vivlamore recently. “It’s a part of hockey…I appreciate what they did for me as far as giving me a chance”.
That’s the classy thing to say of course, and I’m sure Schremp was quite sincere with his remarks. But you just gotta know that somewhere in the back of his mind as he stepped onto the ice at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum he had to be thinking, “Man…what I just wouldn’t give to be able to score a goal here tonight”.
Rob Schremp celebrates his second period goal against the Islanders with Blake Wheeler, Evander Kane and Dustin Byfuglien. It stood up as the deciding goal as he and the Thrashers knocked off his former team (AP Photo/Kathy Kmonicek)
It’s only human nature after all. Kind of like returning to your hometown for a high school reunion… with your stunningly beautiful wife… in a brand new German luxury sedan…and running into the cheerleader who had turned you down for the prom years before.
Well, score a goal is just what Mr. Schremp did…and not just any goal, but the one that wound being the game-winner. Schremp’s wrister beat Isle goalie Al Montoya at the 13:56 mark of the second period to de-knot the score at one-all. The assists went to Schremp’s linemates Larry Fine and Mo Howard.
No, no…make that Blake Wheeler and Dustin Byfuglien.
Atlanta improved their penalty-killing skills from last Saturday night, denying the Islanders on all for of their man-advantage situation. They were very aggressive in pursuing the puck and pressured New York all night long while a man down.
Chris Mason made his first start in goal since March 5 and improved his season record to 11-10-3. He looked sharp between the pipes as he stopped 14 of the 15 shots he faced in the first period.
Wait…what?
Actually, the stats sheet reads the Islanders were only allowed 15 shots on goal for the entire game.
That’s right folks…one-fiver. That total is a season low for the Thrashers defense, besting the 17 allowed to the Carolina Hurricanes back on February 13…a game they lost 3-2.
Mason should almost feel like he should give back a portion of his pay for this night…almost.
Seriously though, Mason looked sharp when he was called upon. He was beaten only when John Tavares tapped home the puck after it had pinged the far post.
And of course, the 2-1 win on Long Island was the first in regulation for Atlanta since…flipping back through stacks of papers…since…flipping, flipping…ah here it is. It’s the first regulation win since February 11 when they knocked off the Rangers 3-2, snapping a streak of 15 games in which the Thrashers allowed opponents either 1 or 2 points.
That’s a long time. Too long.
But they will not have too long in which to celebrate this victory. They’ll wing their way back to Thrasherville for a Friday night matchup against the NHL’s best team, the 48-17-9 Vancouver Canucks. That’s not an easy way to wrap-up the tail end of a back-to-back set, mind you. But at least they took care of business on the front end.
Hopefully Schremp and his Thrashers buddies will still be smiling after that one.
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113 comments Add your comment
litz
March 25th, 2011
1:24 pm
“Note that I tried it this morning while going down an elevator saying “don’t stop on any floor., don’t stop on any floor”, and sure enough it worked, no one got on and the elevator didn’t stop until my floor.”
We used to do this in college when idiots would toss their cigarette butts down the trash chute … soon as you smelled smoke, you’d go get on the elevator. Right about the time the doors closed, the fire alarm went off, and you got an express ride to the lobby!
Joe Friday
March 25th, 2011
1:29 pm
“How about Ozzie Guillen?”
As a diehard Cub fan, I refuse to recognize that trophy.
Twisted Wrister
March 25th, 2011
1:34 pm
I’m positive Al is an idiot. I’m positive Al is an idiot. I’m positive Al is an idiot.
Damn it worked.
ZAvalanche
March 25th, 2011
1:42 pm
I don’t think the problem is development – but it was in the past. It looks to me like it is turning around, just takes time. This team just lacks defensive power and I am not talking about scoring.
WBF – as a brass player of 23 years, I say bring that trombone, that would be awesome! Much smoother sound than a vevuzela.
Mr. Heat Miser
March 25th, 2011
1:45 pm
So any guess on how many bangwagon Canucklehead jerseys will be in the barn tonight? I bet most of them still have the tags on ‘em.
POMPOM
Al
March 25th, 2011
1:47 pm
@ Twisted Wrister You see, its that easy. It looks like it will take 91 or 92 points to clinch an eighth place playoff spot this year, this means Atlanta would need to go 9-0 in their last 9 games (74 + 18 = 92)….not a hope, so everyone thank Twisted Wrister, he just single handedly ruined Atlanta’s chances…..
Cornbread
March 25th, 2011
1:53 pm
Augusta’s SPHL team, the River Hawks, just won their 10th in a row last night. A late season win streak can happen to hockey teams in GA. Time for the Thrashers to get hot. Real HOT.
ZAvalanche
March 25th, 2011
1:55 pm
I think 89 pts will get you in the East, it is going to take probably 95 for the West.
Al
March 25th, 2011
1:57 pm
Now we’re talking, take it one game at a time, starting with the Canuckheads…9 and 0 coming up…..but Twisted Sister needs to start believing…
Al
March 25th, 2011
2:06 pm
@ ZAvalanche I hope you’re right, but that would mean Buffalo would only get 7 points in their last 9 games. They have some easy games left (Florida tonight at home, NJ tomorrow at home, Toronto after that…) but you never know…
Hoof Arted
March 25th, 2011
2:07 pm
Al, I’m positive the Thrashers aren’t going to the playoffs this year. But I won’t be the Debbie Downer. I want them to take 2 points tonight from the Canucks. It doesn’t matter if it’s in OT or a shootout because they are a west coast team.
GO THRASHERS!
Triumph the Insult Dog
March 25th, 2011
2:11 pm
I’m pretty much positive you’re all idiots…
…for ever believing in this team.
Sage of Bluesland
March 25th, 2011
2:11 pm
Don Waddell is competent. Don Waddell is competent. Don Waddell is competent.
Nope. It didn’t work.
We’ll see if this third “Five-Year Plan” will bear any fruit as compared to the raisin generated with his “efforts” in the first two.
In excess of ten years and nothing but failure. Only in Thrashersland and only in Atlanta would this be worthy of a “promotion”.
Cornbread
March 25th, 2011
2:15 pm
Last night’s game was a reflection of Coach Ramsay’s system and what happens when everyone clicks and brings their A game. The team forechecked with two men deep in the zone even shorthanded. They won puck battles along the wall. They maintained puck possession which is the key to good defence. The less you play D the better your D and goalie look (and forwards).
The Thrashers looked like they did in November and December. But, they also didn’t look much different than they did when they were losing in February. They got very good goaltending, something that has been missing of late, and finally got things to bounce their way.
Mike Babcock likes to maintain puck possession 70/30. That is domination. That’s what happened last night. The biggest outcome that I have seen with this year’s Thrashers and Ramsay vs. Anderson and others’ systems reflects this in their play. The Thrashers of old with the Russians was one and done. This year it is not. I’d like to see the puck possession numbers comparing this year and last. 70/30 probably not but I bet it’s not near the 30 like it always had been previously.
Cornbread
March 25th, 2011
2:16 pm
Trixie… just lost one at 2:15. Thanks.
Twisted Wrister
March 25th, 2011
2:23 pm
I’m positive Al is a Canadian troll. I’m positive Al is a Canadian troll. I’m positive Al is a Canadian troll.
Damn it worked again.
World Be Free
March 25th, 2011
2:35 pm
Z Avs-not sure where my son picked up the musical talent, I know I can’t play the trombone a note. I can make alotta noise though.
Al
March 25th, 2011
2:44 pm
@Cornbread Agree with your summary, the best Defense is a good Offense. The other team can’t score if they don’t have the puck..basically not much room for error to make the playoffs now, 8 and 1 in their last nine could make it if Buffalo stumbles. They’ll beat Vancouver tonight and Ottawa next game, so that leaves 6-1 in their last 7. Their last two games of the season are at home against Carolina and Pittsburgh, they should win those, so it leaves the “middle roadtrip” where they have to exceed.
ZAvalanche
March 25th, 2011
2:51 pm
WBF – Do it Man! Make some noise! I bet you would make the evening news!
hockeygoon79
March 25th, 2011
2:57 pm
Whats even better than running into an old flame while you’re with a new hot chick is being able to tell your girl afterwards, “Wow. She’s packed on a few pounds over the years”.
Last night’s win was nice, but really that’s all it was. No more no less. The Thrashers are out of the postseason picture now and even if they did rattle off 7 or 8 wins from here on out it means little more than to give us some warm and fuzzies between April and October.
I hope they give Vancouver a good run tonight regardless. I want them to finish out strong.
I’m guessing our new friend Al here is just yanking our chains, trying to see how many suckers he can get to agree that we can “believe” the Thrashers into the playoffs. But it’s a Friday so what the heck. Play along if you wish.
Tom
March 25th, 2011
2:58 pm
We should have offered the Canuck’s free carriage rides around town today in the pollen. Or pay for them to play 18 holes at East Point.
That may have given us a competitive advantage.
Sage of Bluesland
March 25th, 2011
3:04 pm
Cornbread is right; we’re really a good team masquerading as a bad one.
Cornbread is right; we’re really a good team masquerading as a bad one.
Cornbread is right; we’re really a good team masquerading as a bad one.
Nope, it didn’t work again. Call it the “Don Waddell Syndrome” if you would like…No matter the bluster–it’s quantity or alleged quality–it’s still bluster…
Smoothie
March 25th, 2011
3:05 pm
To bad that prostitute ring in Sugarloaf got stung cuz we coulda sent the whole team over there after playing 18 at the TPC course!!
AtlFlamesFan
March 25th, 2011
3:07 pm
Hmm, if you knew that one of your competitors’ players
had seasonal allergies, save up some of Atlanta’s pollen, and at gametime, distribute it through the ventilation system!
Smoothie
March 25th, 2011
3:07 pm
Sage / Cornbread – now play nice lads, the truth is somewhere in the middle. We’re certainly not a “really good team”, but we’re about 4 or 5 clutch goals from 8th place. The margin of error b/w 5th and 13th really isn’t that large anymore.
Al
March 25th, 2011
3:18 pm
Just look at the Flyers last year, squeeked into the playoffs on the last day of the season and then proceeded to go to the finals…including that crazy comeback against the Bruins after being down 3-0. I remember my buddies in Camden thinking things were over last March too..
Twisted Wrister
March 25th, 2011
3:35 pm
I’m positive Al thinks like Don Waddell. I’m positive Al thinks like Don Waddell. I’m positive Al thinks like Don Waddell.
Damn it worked again.
Al
March 25th, 2011
3:39 pm
I checked nhl.com and teams made 8th place with the following points in the last 11 years : 88, 93, 94, 92, 92, 91, 83, 87, 88, 85, 90. The average comes to 89.3. So 90 should make it assuming Buffalo stumbles a bit. The Thrashers need 16 points out of 18.
SomaAtl95
March 25th, 2011
3:41 pm
Strange seeing someone named Al. We are a rare bunch these days. In 35 years I have not met another Al aside from my father and grandfather (I am the 3rd and final Al in my family) Anyways….
Why am I not surprised after a win that there are still people here tossing insults towards the Thrashers and towards each other? What is it going to take for us Thrasher fans to let one day go by where we aren’t at each others throats? (a win against a crappy team is still 2 points and every point matters, does it not?)
What type of pr!ck gets off on going to a blog like ours and insulting us for being Thrashers fans? They seem to be here daily!
Al
March 25th, 2011
3:47 pm
@Twisted Wrister Thank you very much for the compliment, Don won a Stanley Cup as assistant GM with the Red Wings in 98..can’t get much better than that.
ManUp
March 25th, 2011
3:50 pm
** Smoothie said -> To bad that prostitute ring in Sugarloaf got stung cuz we coulda sent the whole team over there after playing 18 at the TPC course!! ** After reading this I laughed! I really did !!
Twisted Wrister
March 25th, 2011
3:59 pm
I’m sure Al will prove he’s an idiot. I’m sure Al will prove he’s an idiot. I’m sure Al will prove he’s an idiot.
Damn it worked again.
litz
March 25th, 2011
4:02 pm
“I checked nhl.com and teams made 8th place with the following points in the last 11 years : 88, 93, 94, 92, 92, 91, 83, 87, 88, 85, 90.”
*83* ????? holey moley ….
Al
March 25th, 2011
4:04 pm
@ SomaAtl95 Nice to meet you Al. Rare is good, not just in steaks. Game preview gave the following quote from Coach Ramsay :
“We played aggressively,” coach Craig Ramsay said. “It was one of the best neutral zone games we’ve had. I have a lot of confidence in our team. We can’t ever give up.”
Us fans need to as well…
Al
March 25th, 2011
4:10 pm
@ litz Yes, The Islanders made 8th place with 83 points in the 2002-2003 season. Looks like an anomaly though…
Smoothie
March 25th, 2011
4:31 pm
ManUp – for realz yo, we’d cream ‘em, I mean, the Thrashers would win big, uh, er, I mean the Thrashers would have no problem dismantling systematically the Vancouver Canucks due to the onset of severe fatigue from the previous day’s over-exertion.
Damn, I should write policy for the govt tax code!!
Red Light
March 25th, 2011
4:48 pm
This was just one of those days in Rawhideville…
Al
March 25th, 2011
4:50 pm
Last post for today …… Thrashers will get 2 points tonight, Thrashers will get 2 points tonight, Thrashers will get 2 points tonight….Go Thrashers! Y’all have a good one…
World Be Free
March 25th, 2011
4:53 pm
Sage-you sound one of the Stepford Wives today.
Frosty the snowman
March 25th, 2011
5:37 pm
Joe Friday —— Gene Chizik
Cornbread
March 25th, 2011
5:41 pm
SOB the Thrashers really are a good team. Too bad you can’t see that in their play. The only thing you see is the score. I’m not surprised by that, really I’m not. After all, wins and losses are the bottom line. But if you knew the game better you’d be able to evaluate the good with this team which far outweighs the bad. They are very young and are only going to get better in the coming seasons. A couple of additional pieces will move them towards becoming a great team.
I like what I see. I’ve liked it all year. I like Coach Ramsay’s system. It is smart hockey. The biggest weakness I have seen this year is neutral zone play without the puck. It is the hardest aspect of the game for young players to learn especially at the NHL level. The Thrasher’s style of play here is not very different from many elite teams including PHI and PIT who don’t trap but pressure the puck carriers from the side to force a pass or dump-in and create a turnover. The difference is the time, space, and speed which the teams allow. The Thrashers are not up to that level yet and it hurts them on the possession side and shots/goals against.
However, I also believe that goaltending in the second half has really let them down. It has been below NHL standards in many of their losses. This, combined with a long scoring drought, is the biggest reason the Thrashers find themselves in the position they are currently in.
Al
March 25th, 2011
5:51 pm
I just googled “Twisted Wrister” and it turns out its a knitting term How about knitting us all nice warm sweaters so we can wear them when the Thrashers head up North to play in the Stanley Cup Finals…?
Frosty the snowman
March 25th, 2011
6:10 pm
Cornbread—– Not trying to blow my horn here, but I am quite familiar with the game of hockey. I find it interesting that you compare the trashers to philadelphia and pittsburgh? Actually, I am rather puzzled by that analysis. I am curious as to what it is specifically that you think makes this team any better than previous trasher teams? I am also curious as to how you think the trashers are comparible to 2 teams that are consistently deep in the playoffs? One of whom is the best team in the eastern conference, and the other maintains dominance even when 2 of their SUPERSTARS, not 2nd or 3rd line players, go out for extended periods of time. The trashers are still one of the worst teams in the league, same story different season.
Don Wadell made the same statement you made 2 seasons ago, are you Don Wadell using the name cornbread?
Tom
March 25th, 2011
6:32 pm
Smoothie – Great Sugarloaf comment. Cleaning my screen as I type.
Keith
March 25th, 2011
7:17 pm
Thanks for the goal Bogosian
Tom
March 25th, 2011
10:26 pm
Hate the loss, loved the game.
The boys got stopped by some amazing saves by Luongo and gave up a softy to a great team.
2-1 with 16 seconds to play and on the power play. Thrashers played tough defense, hit hard, and gave it all they had. If they played like this all season we would be shrugging this game off as we prepared for the playoffs.
Smoothie
March 25th, 2011
11:01 pm
Very entertaining game and we made VAN earn that 2 pts. But again, the boys failed to capitalize on some great chances. Of course, Bobby Lu was sensational and I knew we were in trouble half way thru the 1st. Seems as though the boys are playing with a ton of energy and the gap control was really good most of the nite. Mason let in his customary softie after Kane’s turnover (by the way, try passing the puck Evander!) but the eternal cycling sequence by the Sedins got us on our heels and Bolduc got a greasy one to give them just the cushion they needed. But what the hell was up with that crazy icing call when Little beat the D-man to the high flip by Buff at the red line? They whistled it dead like it was an infield fly rule or something eventhough Lits had his man beat. I believe the ensuing F/O was the Sedin cycling sequence from hell and that pretty much cooked our collective goose.
R. Stroz
March 25th, 2011
11:22 pm
Nothing like playing “Low Rider” on a vuvuzela during the game.
oh well
March 26th, 2011
12:16 am
Thrashers will not have to put comic ice follies on display much longer. It is obvious they have simply been playing out the string by going through the motions for several weeks now. The latest surrender at Philips Arena was completely expected so not at all surprising. These so called professionals have no pride at home or on the road. Zilch. Not one player should gripe about attendance. My belief is that the Atlanta rink should have been empty on game nights except for those rooting on the opposition. The Thrashers have been an NHL laughingstock all season. Georgia ice hockey fans deserve so much more than these untalented losers. Perhaps they will be doing their giveups in some other city next season. A very pleasant thought indeed.
Brendan
March 26th, 2011
12:17 am
At least they scored. Hope they score again, on Sunday. People who had 91 and 92 points are now eliminated.