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
Smoothie
March 24th, 2011
11:41 pm
Isles were definitely flat, but the Thrash took it to ‘em on the F/C and controlled the neutral zone most of the nite. If someone could only teach these guys how to shoot and score the puck so that they can get a better reward for their earnest efforts, we might be on to something here. The lines were balanced and I was impressed with the effort and determination of Maxwell w/ Inspector Lee (Stapes), enjoyed the rediscovered chemistry b/w Burmy & Antro (Thorbs was very good tonite along the walls) and Schremp finally got to play with some other skilled players, not to mention Dvorak seems to be back to full speed; he was flying out there. PK was crazy good, but not sure if they were simply taking advantage of an Isles team that lacked intensity and focus. But who cares, feels good to get a regulation win, but if they can’t win 4 or 5 in a row, I’d rather they go down with lots of good losses and determined efforts on the short-end of 1-goal games, like we’re used to!
Rob Schremp
March 24th, 2011
11:49 pm
Hey New York Islanders – How do you like me now?
cousin Eddie
March 24th, 2011
11:56 pm
I just posted after Rob “THE COCKTAIL” Schremp!!
hoosier_hoser
March 25th, 2011
12:19 am
Like Ramsay and the coaching staff, we’ll all be watching Schremp the rest of the year. If he goes into the corners and wins puck battles and if he plays lock down defense, then he proves he is a good waiver claim. If not, then the Bergfors’ model applies. I trust the coaching staff has made their expectations clear.
Brendan
March 25th, 2011
12:22 am
Did you hear the Isles fans booing their PP unit? They booed the end of the game, too. Guess what it means? Yep, this game meant something to the Islander faithful. They wanted to at least be able to say, “Well, the difference between this year and the last few years running is … we’ve at least caught the Atlanta Thrashers.”
Nope. Not yet. Not this year, anyway. Everyone in the AJC contest with 91 and 92-points is still alive. At least until tomorrow night, when the NHL’s top point producing team arrives at the Bulb. I see a win for the Thrashers. Vancouver is looking to take a night off. They’re far, far from home, hoping to put this game behind them, without any injuries to their team, while giving their backup some work. Time for Atlanta to cash-in, and get to 76-points, same as 2008 and 2009.
LAC has been eliminated, as his 71-points are too far away from Chippers Love Child’s guess of 75-points. If the Thrashers get no more points for the rest of the year, Chippers Love Child would be the winner.
ZAvalanche
March 25th, 2011
1:48 am
Good to see one of my teams take a win. Brendan – I really hope for a win over Vancouver but I think it is unlikely. That team is crazy good. I still think Thrashy is only a couple of players away from being a good team.
Phil Fry
March 25th, 2011
1:57 am
I’m pretty sure the 3-2 win over the rangers was the 11th, because I went to the game for my birthday and it was the perfect gift.
World Be Free
March 25th, 2011
7:10 am
That was actually alotta fun to watch, so many parts of our game looked good last night. Give Ramsay credit for having the individual player meetings-kinda asking each player – “Do you want to play in the National Hockey League?”
The guys responded with a good effort, regardless of the opponent that type of fundamental hockey will win you alot of games in this league. We still need a finisher, too many chances not being cashed in. So is Schremp going to be resigned this summmer?
I was rejected by more than one cheerleader, but I still kept trying. I have seen some of our old cheerleaders lately, they are all hogs now.
World Be Free
March 25th, 2011
7:15 am
I have no idea what Bogosian was doing on the lone Islander goal. To say he was out of position is putting it very lightly.
Rawhide
March 25th, 2011
7:34 am
Phil Frey – Indeed it was Feb. 11, as the title says….but I put the wrong date in the story. My bad…thanks for pointing it out.
Happy Birthday late, BTW…
kracker
March 25th, 2011
7:59 am
Go figure. I finally throw in the towel on the season and change to draft lottery mode and these guys go out and play a great game. I should have given up on them about a month ago!
tonyb
March 25th, 2011
8:11 am
As the shots against totals have been going down, the winning has been increasing. Unfortunately, the hole dug from late December to early March is so deep, it looks nearly impossible to recover for a playoff berth.
Don’t write the Thrashers off yet against Vancouver tonight. Surprisingly, the team seems to respond well when taking on a quality opponent. The two recent wins against a very good Flyers team, along with the strong record against the Caps demonstrates that. But they will face, in my opinion, the best team in hockey tonight, so we can see how we stack up.
World Be Free
March 25th, 2011
8:41 am
kracker-I go back to the meetings Rammer had with the players. I think the players respect Ramsay, but he needed to get ion their faces abit to get this type of 60 minute effort out of them.
I guess the individual player meetings should have happened 8 weeks ago.
thrashersaddict
March 25th, 2011
8:45 am
Hate that I can’t be there tonight to see the win…Go Thrashers!
Rawhide
March 25th, 2011
8:50 am
tonyb – Yes, the overall season shot against/ game stat is down for the Thrashers. Currently they allow 31.7 SA/G, which is the 11th best in the NHL. That number was up around 34-35 around the middle of the season.
If you would have told me last fall our SA/G stat was going to be in the top half of the league…I would have thought this team would be sitting solidly in a playoff position.
shrugs
DWTOO
March 25th, 2011
8:52 am
MC and DE we commenting about the effort the Thrashers were displaying at the 13 minute mark of the first period. Remarked to MRS DWTOO that the problem is you need to play for 60 minutes. Fortunately last night they did.
kracker
March 25th, 2011
9:04 am
They have played pretty well for the last month or so, just not finishing games off or having crucial lapses that resulted in lost points. Last night they were pretty much on their game for the entire game. I guess that’s how you win 2-1 games. Too many times they have allowed the opponent a late goal to tie the game or take the lead.
Darkhorse
March 25th, 2011
9:27 am
Agreed, the team is two-three very good players away from being a solid team. But even with better players, a more consistant effort will be needed to stave off the annual JanFeb blues. Hopefully, this summer will bring good news for Thrasher fans, starting with new ownership that actually wants to own a hockey team and spend more cash on the roster and marketing to get them noticed around here. Maybe that will finally bring a positive trickle down effect throughout the front office.
Not sure what to think about this coaching staff. When we were scoring 4-5 goals a game earlier in the season, teams adjusted, and now we are squirting 2-3 goals a game at best. Where’s our adjustments to counter all that?
Phil Fry
March 25th, 2011
9:34 am
Thanks Rawhide! Always glad to help polish up what is always excellent writing.
rob
March 25th, 2011
9:40 am
Well we will see if my losing streak with the Boys In Blue ends tonight or not. Last 7 games I have been to this season have been LOSSES!!! Would be nice to get to see a few more WINS at home before the end of the season. Hopefully they play a solid game and give the place reason to be LOUD tonight!
LET’S GO THRASHERS!!!!
Tom
March 25th, 2011
10:02 am
Did anyone else see Schremp yapping at Montoya all game. He took a few shots in front of the net from the Islanders till he was done saying his piece in the second period and then after that period he followed Montoya with not the nicest expression on his face.
My bet is ol’ Montoya did Schrempy wrong.
Roberto
March 25th, 2011
10:14 am
What I don’t understand is how the season got to this point where a win over the Isles is such a reason to rejoice. The Pens are playing without Malkin, Crosby and a few other players for half the year and they are still mathematically alive for first place. Without Malkin, Crosby , and a couple of their other top forwards, shouldn’t they be , talentwise, equivalent to a team like the Thrashers? Oh, I forgot. They got a deeper D-corps which survived injuries to people like Orpik and the trade of Goligoski.
This seemed like the year the Thrashers would break out for at least a playoff spot. Now, it looks like just another year.
Smoothie
March 25th, 2011
10:16 am
Not that it really has much of a chance of happening, but the Thrashers will need to almost win out to have any shot at the #8 seed. Ideally, they go 7 – 0 – 2 or 8 – 0 – 1, but even 7 – 1 – 1 could get them there assuming Buffalo goes 3 – 5 – 1 over their final 9 gms. Getting to 88 points is not enough because ATL would lose the tiebreakers with Buffalo (number of non-SO wins and head to head), so 89 is a minimum needed for any shot. Of course, CAR would need to win no more than 4 times (4 – 3 – 2 gets them to 88 points, and a win over them on 4/8 would be essential so they don’t get to 38 wins AND 89 points). We would also need TOR to lose at least 2 games in regulation so they can’t get past 88 points and NJ would need to go 8 – 0 – 1 to get to 89 points so they’ll have a tough time getting there. However, should they get to 88 points and there’s a tie, they might sneak in with the most regulation, non-SO wins.
Now obviously, I don’t expect any of this to happen, but for those scoring at home, that’s essentially what needs to happen for the Thrashers to have any chance. As you can see, that loss to Buffalo was HUGE not only for the 2 points lost, but also in tie-breaker scenarios that might have occurred at 88 points rather than 89. Now it’s 89 points or bust. Our “tragic” number is now at 3 points as we cannot afford to squander anymore than 3 of the next 18 points.
Joe McGrath
March 25th, 2011
10:19 am
Nothing much to say except “good game” and “How In The World Did Maxwell Not Score From Stape’s Pass?” nI thought it was a slam dink, but somehow Montoya made th stop. Too bad ’cause Max played very well.
Smoothie
March 25th, 2011
10:42 am
Joe M – yeah, I liked Maxwell a lot. He pretty much won every puck battle he was in along the wall and in the corners. Scrappy player with more skill than Boulton. I think he could have a future with us and perhaps he learned a thing or two under Don Lever in 2008-09 before he left for Chicago. I reckon Lever shared his $.02 with Duds before he made that trade.
In case anyone was curious about Vancouver’s record against the Eastern Conference this year, here you go:
A record of 10 – 5 – 2 with a 4 – 3 – 1 mark on the East Coast.
Wins over Philly, Wash, the Isles, Jersey, CAR, FLA, Tronna twice and Ottawa twice with OTL to Buffalo and Tampa. Losses came at the hands of Boston, Pitt, the Rangers and Montreal twice. Road losses were at PITT, MTL and MSG.
I’d say we’re pretty much screwed. Hopefully we can sneak an OT point and maybe steal one with a stupendous effort by Pavelec. I reckon we’ll see their back-up but they have SAT to rest before Columbus. The scary part of playing VAN right now is that they’ve been red hot going 9 – 2 – 0 in the month of March with a 7-game winning streak, which included 5 straight ON THE ROAD against WC foes LA, AHM, PHX, SJ & CGY essentially wrapping up the Conference crown with a win over DET two nites ago.
Perhaps they will have a major let-down tonite, but they’re too good for us to win by more than a goal, that’s for sure!
World Be Free
March 25th, 2011
10:59 am
Joe McGrath-hope that’s not showing the quality of Maxwel’’s hands! I thought the same thing.
Roberto-I guess it is something positive to talk about for once, an oasis in what has become the Sahara Desert of a 2nd half of the season. Consider this is the first regulation win in almost 6 weeks, time for rejoice! Pens and Thrashers are not on the same planet, so it is tough to compare the challenges and accomplishments of each team.
@not_CThorburn
March 25th, 2011
11:18 am
hahaha! I guess that virgin I tossed into the volcano did the trick and we finally got a regulation win!
I’d do it again for tonight’s game, but hey, this is Atlanta. I don’t think I can find a virgin on such short notice.
not_Chris
LAC
March 25th, 2011
11:23 am
Brenden, I will miss that autographed photo of you and waddell for my winning guess, but this is one I am glad I missed.
Excellent game last nice, SOLID defense, it was great to see, a regulation win against a team close to us. Best defense of the season, although the Detroit game ranked up there.
Have a good feeling about tonight’s game, really we may pull one out of the fire.
But good game and hope it continues the last couple weeks of the season, something to build on for next year !
Thrashers27
March 25th, 2011
11:24 am
I hate to pee in everyone’s cornflakes, but that team that our Thrashers beat by one stinking goal last night was the Islanders…one of the only teams in the league that is consistently worse than the Thrashers. Color me unimpressed.
Now, if they do the same thing to the Canucks tonight, I’ll pee in my own cornflakes tomorrow morning.
ZAvalanche
March 25th, 2011
11:34 am
@ Roberto – if you are a fan you rejoice every win no matter what.
ZAvalanche
March 25th, 2011
11:37 am
Thrashers27, I would love to have you pee in your flakes tomorrow, but I think it is unlikely. Vancouver won’t take time off till they have clinched the President’s Trophy. But on the other hand, this is the NHL and anything can happen…
@not_CThorburn
March 25th, 2011
11:38 am
Thrashers27, will you post that on YouTube? The eating of them, not the actual act. That would just be nasty.
ps – Ohhh…I see your escape clause, there. You said you’d pee in them. You didn’t say you’d eat them afterwards. Smart.
Roberto
March 25th, 2011
11:49 am
All I am saying is that despite the Pens losing two elite forwards and a rotating group of 2 or 3 other decent forwards for most of the second half, they didn’t suffer the same kind of swoon the Thrashers went through. Shouldn’t the improved Thrashers supposed to be at least inthe same league as a top club missing 3 or 4 of its top 8 players? What does that say about the management that this is the state of the team despite coming off a 5 month stretch where they made two good trades? There were a LOT of defensemen up for grabs in free agency this offseason.
World Be Free
March 25th, 2011
11:56 am
Roberto-can’t argue with your good points-you see the differences between Pittsburgh and Atlanta. Hopefuly we can bridge the gap in the near future, so we are not forced to rejoice such events as simple 2-1 win against a fellow lottery pick team.
World Be Free
March 25th, 2011
12:00 pm
Thrashers27-I am going to tonight’s game with my sense of humor fully intact. Hoping to see last night’s effort, but not expecting the same results. Montoya is not Luongo, Moulson is not Sedin and so on.
World Be Free
March 25th, 2011
12:02 pm
Don’t you all wonder what Grabner did in the Florida Panthers’ camp earlier this year to force the Panthers to waive him after having just acquired Grabner from Vancouver? The kid is as skinny but he has wheels.
ZAvalanche
March 25th, 2011
12:11 pm
@ Roberto – I am not attacking you, just saying that you should just enjoy every win
. WBF, bring your Vevuzela (sp) to the game and lets hope Thrashy takes down the ‘Nucks.
World Be Free
March 25th, 2011
12:14 pm
Z Avs-I don’t have one but I bet I can borrow my son’s trombone! Think they would let me in witht he brass?
Stroz is the vuvuzela guy!
World Be Free
March 25th, 2011
12:17 pm
Roberto-you know what makes me sick is seeing the depth in the Pred’s organization fron top to bottom. Here is another relatively low budget team that develops talent, there’s ex-Preds all over the league and they still fill spots from their minor league system. How many ex-Pred goalies are on NHL rosters? We have one, Chris Mason. Nashville’s development of players is similar to New Jersey’s.
Red Light
March 25th, 2011
12:28 pm
Interestingly enough, the Thrashers are 4-2-1 vs. the top 8 teams in the Western Conference this season heading into tonight’s game. They have Vancouver tonight and Nashville left on the slate.
That means against the bottom 7 teams in the West, the Thrashers are just 2-6-1.
Joe Friday
March 25th, 2011
12:29 pm
“All I am saying is that despite the Pens losing two elite forwards and a rotating group of 2 or 3 other decent forwards for most of the second half, they didn’t suffer the same kind of swoon the Thrashers went through.”
Yep, shows you what good coaching can do. That Pens lineup doesn’t scare anyone on paper . . . good coach = raising the level of the team play, everytime.
Great players don’t guarantee championships, but great coaches do (name me the last bad coach that won a trophy in any sport).
“I see a win for the Thrashers. Vancouver is looking to take a night off.”
You think? Our boys skated balls to the wall last night to eek out a win or the Isle, the Canuckleheads are going to be coming tomorrow night and I fully expect a 4-1 loss, they need and want home ice to try to avoid another early exit (I’d love to see another matchup with the ‘Hawks in the real season).
Sage of Bluesland
March 25th, 2011
12:29 pm
I don’t know why anyone would complain about our “player development” process? After all, there are always “Legends of Blueland” in the wittle bookwets which are given out at every game (well, at least there used to be–but that was during Don Waddell’s first “Five-Year Plan”; since I stopped putting my dollars in his and the inept ownership’s pockets, I can only assume anymore).
You mean our player analysis, selection, and development process is deficient compared to other professional organizations?
No!
ManUp
March 25th, 2011
12:31 pm
** Roberto said – > What I don’t understand is how the season got to this point where a win over the Isles is such a reason to rejoice. ** Me either, but in the south even the littlest of blessings seem to be seem to be a lifetime’s gift from The Almighty. And remember, this is basically as good as it gets some ten years after
Smoothie
March 25th, 2011
12:56 pm
R/L et al – we’ve lost our last 6 straight to Western Conference foes dating back to the 12/10 loss to Colorado in a game we should have won (we scored first and we were money scoring first till that point). Then we suffered the fateful loss to St. Louis at home on 12/21. Peverley hit the pipe twice in the last few minutes and we went into a tailspin for the rest of the season. Sigh. Yeah, we started out 6 – 2 – 2 against the West including wins over DET, NSH, SJ, AHM and Minny.
Red Light
March 25th, 2011
1:00 pm
Joe Friday: How about Ozzie Guillen?
R. Stroz
March 25th, 2011
1:07 pm
WBF – It’s an elongated collapsible bullhorn, not a vuvuzela.
Cliff Fletcher
March 25th, 2011
1:08 pm
sage of blueland/////
can’t complain about our player development process because we don’t have one. it might as well be a 50 year plan. if this keeps going the thrashers will soon be referred to as the los angeles clippers of the nhl.
i never thought dan bylsma would make an elite nhl coach-but the pens have been a different team since therion was fired and danny put in his place. like lemaire in nj, capuano in lonn- gisland (i know that sounds silly-but isles playing much better under him).
Al
March 25th, 2011
1:11 pm
As I predicted yesterday, tonights match-up will be a preview of the Stanley Cup Finals!
Yes sports fans, Atlanta WILL clinch a playoff spot and will go all the way to the Finals.
Watch the Thrashers thrash Vancouver tonight, remember that Daniel and Henrik will be too busy nursing their new baby to care….
PS.. I was reading a book the other day, and it said if you believe and throw positive thoughts and comments out into the universe enough times, they will come true. Therefore, Atlanta will win the cup, Atlata will win the cup, everyone, repeat after me, Atlanta will win the cup.
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.
Bbbb
March 25th, 2011
1:17 pm
@ Al: did you go down from 2nd to 1st floor?:))
Al
March 25th, 2011
1:21 pm
@ Bbbb very funny, it was from the 10th to the Basement. But don’t laugh, it works when you’re looking for a parking spot downtown too…the point is to always be positive, confident and believe. Someone shoud just tell the rest of the players besides Ladd and Buff, they were in the finals last year and won, why can’t they be there again. Lots of games left in the regular season..
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.
oh well
March 26th, 2011
12:20 am
Hi Cornbread. Forgive us fans for looking at the scores not the inner excellence of all the magnificent players. I have heard a lot of smelly crapola in my lifetime. That tops all of em. Congratulations. Are you for real? I sure hope not.
Thrashy Thrashy
March 26th, 2011
1:46 am
I thought we played pretty well, but you only think **** like that when your team doesn’t play well most nights. There’s no excuse for not giving full effort and playing with professionalism every night. Our younger guys are learning that lesson this season. I hope to Almighty God that some of these kids learned something from that 30-game stretch this season. If that had been held to a ten-game slump, we’d be looking at a playoff spot right now. Instead, we’ve got a dope like Matt McConnell grasping at straws in the postgame.
LAC
March 26th, 2011
6:29 am
Well last night was not as bad as it could have been and not a good as it could have been either.
Holding them to 24 SA was good, the two goals allowed I thought were weak, esp the first one,
ungood. Then how many Quality shots point blank did Luongo stop ???? He won the game for them, hands down. This is the best team in the NHL and we shut down the Sedin twins to the point they got ZERO points and were generally ineffective against us. but we lose 3-1.
With Buffalo & Carolina winning, that slams the door on ANY more playoff talk. Now what do we do ?
Watch Anderson stone us Sunday I am afraid.
Where do we go from here ? We MUST have MORE Scoring next season no question about it.
Plus We need a NEW Goaltender who is NHL quality, both we have are backups at best.
Alan R.
March 26th, 2011
7:13 am
LAC has it right, at least on the first part. Luongo won it for them, but we didn’t help much by our egregious errors. Both goals generated off of bad turnovers coupled by derp moments by Mason.
Those turnovers don’t happen, they don’t score, and we end up winning 1-0.
I’d pass on Mason any day, if something better was available. Pavelec? He’s still young, still learning. He needs time and experience, and that’s all we can hope to give him, at this point.
Mr. Heat Miser
March 26th, 2011
9:52 am
Sat 3 rows behind Luongo. He ain’t human.
moriler
March 26th, 2011
9:56 am
Mason didn’t lose it for us as much as Luongo won it for them. His side-to-side motion was absolutely incredible — no question he’s a big part of why they’re the President’s Trophy winners this season. That effort last night by us would’ve beat probably 25 other teams in the NHL, but Vancouver really is that good.
moriler
March 26th, 2011
9:57 am
Hey Rawhide, it may be time to nudge “oh well” back into his banned area. He’s losing his marble again.
Sage of Bluesland
March 26th, 2011
10:25 am
“…Those turnovers don’t happen, they don’t score, and we end up winning 1-0….”
Oh, I love Alanlamb’s logic…If only it were so easy…I know I’m hearing a steaming pile when I hear such types of “logic”…”All we have/had to do is (insert bluster)”….
Action-Reaction-Opposition has a vote-CeterisParabis (?)-and all that…
oh well
March 26th, 2011
11:33 am
moriler
Mason didn’t lose it for us as much as Luongo won it for them.
Marshmallow Mason surrendered more goals than the Canuck guy. All goals allowed by Thrasher sieve were soft ones which should have been stopped. Do not expect Canucks to advance past opening round. Will choke like Thrashers did ALL season. As for my banning. Why? Cause you do not agree with what I say? I agree with nothing you say yet I am not on a crusade to censor you! Sigh.
Rawhide
March 26th, 2011
11:40 am
Hey gang…soryy for being tardy with a blog today. The Divine Mrs. R and I were out late at our son’s JROTC military ball. But I understand that Craig Ramsay thinks it was a “wonderful game” last night…I mean, outside of losing and all.
Alan R.
March 26th, 2011
1:20 pm
Oh, I love Alanlamb’s logic
Lamb? Surely you jest. I have more logic in my pinky than you could hope to have in an entire lifetime, you knave.
R. Stroz
March 28th, 2011
12:51 pm
LAST
Rawhide
April 1st, 2011
11:15 am
R. Stroz – Nope.