Outside of losing to Canucks, ‘it was a wonderful game’ for Thrashers
I didn’t make it to last night’s game…instead I attended my son’s JROTC annual military ball. However, I have viewed the highlights and read some of the write-ups about it and from what I gather, it pretty much came down to Vancouver making the most of the chances afforded them and one Mr. Roberto Luongo.
Well, there’s a reason why the Canucks have the best record in the NHL I guess. Good teams find a way to work out Ws and make their goalie’s efforts stand up.
With the 3-1 win in Atlanta…their seventh consecutive on the road… Vancouver set an all-time franchise record with 24 wins away from home this season. Their 49-17-9 record for 107 also sets a new high for that organization.
Bryan Little streaks past Vancouver's Mason Raymond on his way to the Thrashers only goal Friday night. Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo stopped the other 30 shots he faced in the 3-1 win over Atlanta (Photo Michelle Rivers)
For the Thrashers, it was another game in which they played well but allowed things to slip away during a short window of time. Two second period goals by Vancouver was pretty much all the scoring needed by the visiting team. Mason Raymond started things off 5:08 into the period and Alexandre Bolduc doubled the lead 7:16 later …the first going five-hole on Chris Mason, the other zipping over his glove on a breakaway.
Bryan Little’s solo-effort tally was the only goal that beat Luongo, who saved the other 30 he faced.
Thrashers coach Craig Ramsay pointed to that small stretch of time as the deciding factor in the game. “Five minutes”, he lamented. “Five minutes where we tried to do a little too much and we got trapped. Against a good team you can’t get trapped where you are stuck on the ice.”
“Other than that it was a wonderful game.”
Ramsay’s had a lot of chances to make that kind of evaluation after games in the last two and a half months.
Moving forward, the Thrashers will go from facing the best the league has to offer to the last place in the east Ottawa Senators. The Sens will be in town for a Sunday afternoon matinee tomorrow and with a win, coupled with a Panthers loss to Pittsburgh, would actually climb out of the east’s basement.
Then the Thrashers will begin their 2011 Spring Spoiler Tour to close out the 2010-11 campaign. Tuesday night they’ll begin a five-game road trip that will take them to Montreal, Philadelphia, Boston, Nashville and New York to face the Rangers. All of those teams are currently jockeying for playoff positioning.
They’ll close out the season at home against the Carolina Hurricanes and Pittsburgh Penguins.
Following their 4-3 win in Tampa last night, the Canes remain three points behind the Buffalo Sabres who hold the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
Buffalo topped the Florida Panthers 4-2 Friday night.
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126 comments Add your comment
Telfo
March 26th, 2011
11:43 am
that loss was on Mason, both goals should have been easily stopped
Joe Friday
March 26th, 2011
11:44 am
What a wonderful loss!
Good grief . . .
Frosty the snowman
March 26th, 2011
11:54 am
Just looked at the player stats…. we have one player(Ladd) that MIGHT get 30 goals. No other player has 20 goals, none! We may have one player that reaches 60 pts at seasons end.
R. Stroz
March 26th, 2011
12:00 pm
Did Ramsay hand out gold stars after the game too? Ice Cream?
ZAvalanche
March 26th, 2011
12:02 pm
Rammer is seeing the silver lining. Was a good effort against the best team in the league. Vancouver is damn good. I almost never say this, but this a loss a team can build on. Put up that effort against nearly any other team in the league and it is a win. Luongo is having a stellar year and very fun to watch. Keep in mind that I very much dislike the Canucks (same division as Colorado) and was hoping for a Thrashy win – though I thought it was going to be a blowout. Only good thing about Vancouver probably getting the President’s trophy is that, statistically, the President’s Trophy winner usually doesn’t win Lord Stanley’s Cup (only 29% of the trophy winners have gone on to win the cup).
Rawhide
March 26th, 2011
12:10 pm
Zavs – You are probably correct in your interpretation of Ramsay’s comments. But to me, we’ve had too many “wonderful losses” as Joe Friday put it.
On a completely different note…I’ve been told The Curtain of Shame was taken down and the 400s section was open last night. Can somebody give me the 411 on that?
Smoothie
March 26th, 2011
12:15 pm
Aint it the 2nd home game in a row the curtain was dropped? I was out of town for the Philly S/O win on St Pattys Day but I thought I read that the curtain had been lowered for that game as well. Hoping for an extra stellar crowd to impress the Balkan who arrives in ATL this weekend?
Rawhide
March 26th, 2011
12:19 pm
Smoothinator – I was in 215 for the Philly game, so I could see if it was or not.
R. Stroz
March 26th, 2011
12:23 pm
The “curtain of shame” has been down the last two games. However, I believe the curtain was pulled down in preparation for the Hawks vs. Heat game on March 18th.
The Spirit Clowns probably don’t want to pay to put it back up.
ZAvalanche
March 26th, 2011
12:43 pm
Rawhide – I agree on the “there have been too many wonderful losses comment. But at this point I think a positive attitude is better than saying “we sucked”. However, that being said, a good reaming is needed every once in a while.
hockeygoon79
March 26th, 2011
12:47 pm
“a good reaming is needed every once in a while”
Oh my.
Pervert
March 26th, 2011
1:00 pm
I’LL TAKE THAT REAMING
Dwayne
March 26th, 2011
1:05 pm
That 5 minute lapse cost them the game…..if 5 minutes is ok, lets try for a 10 minute lapse next time, then 15, 20, etc etc….way to go whisperer….
EA
March 26th, 2011
1:10 pm
Luongo won that game. He made saves I have never seen before. He is really in a league all by himself right now. He is huge. The net looks small behind him. While it was a loss, it was a great game minus the 5 mintues we got trapped in their zone. We lose some bad ones, but this was not one of them. Very entertaining. Vancouver earned those 2 points that could have easily gone to the Thrashers if Lou hadn’t played like gold medal Lou.
Jason
March 26th, 2011
1:13 pm
Yes, Luongo played well last night, but I would personally love to hear reasons why we won on a regular basis instead of having to hear excuses why we lost.
WTF?
March 26th, 2011
1:14 pm
I was not impressed at all with Vancouver. For being the supposed best team in the west, they didn’t look it. They will probably fold in the first round of the playoffs. Atlanta played hard and physical in the first period, then I guess our loser coach told them thas was enough and it was time to go back to Ramsay’s pacifist brand of hockey, aka losing hockey. If any team from last night’s game should be asking questions it should be Vancouver asking how in the world did one of the worst teams in the NHL keep us in check the whole game? Get rid of Ramsay, you get a contender next season. Keep Ramsay and you keep losing. And that’s that!
JLH
March 26th, 2011
1:18 pm
If you watch Ramsay’s comments you can see that he was pissed, and in no way did he think the game was “wonderful”. Our play outside the five minutes might have been “wonderful”, but I don’t believe he was anything other than frustrated with the guys’ inability to transfer his strategies from practice to the games successfully last night, and for the entire season.
I love Ramsay as a coach and believe his even keel demeanor is the best strategy for the long haul. I would never succeed playing for a coach like Tortorella, and believe his in your face strategy works for the short term, but inevitably results in a team tuning the coach out. I find it difficult to believe that the best players in the world (the NHL) cannot motivate themselves to be their best. It is the coaches job to teach them the strategies to both maximize their individual abilities and to achieve success as a team. If a player at this level, making millions of dollars, cannot motivate himself to be his best for eighty (or 100) 2 1/2 hour games a season – that’s 200 to 250 hours folks – then I don’t want him on my team. That’s a total of only 6 forty hour work weeks! Do you expect your boss to motivate you to succeed in your career? Do you hire people who have to be yelled at to succeed? Do you yell at your employees? Why do we see our hockey heroes any differently? ……… Just some food for thought, I hope.
litz
March 26th, 2011
1:19 pm
Actually, the curtain simply unfurls from the ceiling … if you look up, you can see it up there, neatly rolled up, No clue what it costs to send someone up there to unroll it.
There isn’t enough money on the planet to get me to do that, though. That’s *high*.
As for the game … Thrashers played an uncommonly strong game against a clearly superior opponent (Vancouver isn’t #1 in the entire NHL for no reason). In many ways, they were visibly out-skating that #1 in the entire NHL team, too.
Goal #1 was a softie that frankly Mason should have had.
Goal #2 … man … there’s a 3 man rush, and coach calls a line change? What?
A #1 team in the NHL is gonna score when it’s a 3-on-goal-and-no-defense rush …
So that accounts for their two goals. What about ours? Summed up in one word : Luongo. He stopped everything but Little’s hi-lite-reel breakaway (which, frankly, was probably unstoppable by anyone), and we’re talking solid — SOLID scoring chances here.
This was NOT a night where your Thrashers peppered the net with easy “let’s shoot the goalie in the chest” type shots. These were legit scoring chances, stopped by a goalie who was standing on his head repeatedly to stop them.
A lesser goalie, and we walk away with 2 pts, probably 4-5 to 2. Seriously.
Against the best team in the NHL.
That ain’t bad.
litz
March 26th, 2011
1:20 pm
(oh, before anyone replies … yes I know they scored 3 … empty netters don’t bear discussion)
World Be Free
March 26th, 2011
1:32 pm
EA is correct, Luongo did win the game he was the difference in this one. No idea why Pavs was not out there after Mason played the night before. Vancouver is not flashy, but they are efficient. Safe to say they played the level of their opponent last night.
Consider this question-how many current Thrashers would be good enough to make the Canucks roster? I am not trying to “insult” our skill, wherever it may be but consider how Vancouver plays as a team and how many of our players could actually fit into their system.
Bring back the curtain, cuz it’s better than seeing empty seats.
Red Light
March 26th, 2011
1:41 pm
Ranting and raving after losses is always so beneficial I don’t know why more coaches don’t employ that method. Surely, that is the appropriate message to send to players: you suck, we blew a chance for two points, we’re nearly dead for the playoffs, the refs suck, the other goalie is on drugs to have played that well and the Canucks have 107 points so far because the have a horseshoe up their a$$.
I want to play for that type of guy.
Ray
March 26th, 2011
1:43 pm
WBF, the 400 section was full last night so keep the curtain up if they can get butts in the seats.
BG33Brown
March 26th, 2011
1:55 pm
Ray, we must have different understandings of the word “full.”
Ray
March 26th, 2011
2:04 pm
The 400 level looked fairly full from where I sit, not the entire arena.
LAC
March 26th, 2011
2:19 pm
You guys are correct, Luongo stole this game flat out. Great when we do it, and the On The Fly
clowns make it sound like Atlnta should be ashamed. But when Vancouver does it, It’s just GREAT !!
I liked the physical play, why is that an ISSUE with this coach we have. The more PHYSICAL you can be, it helps you, not hurts !Plus physical play is not a BAD thing, we need to do a WHOLE LOT MORE the remaining games and NEXT SEASON ! Enough of this “pussy footing” stuff.
Both GA were soft, I am not keen on bringing Mason back next season, he played good the first month, then he has been very average since. We need a new Number #1 Goalie, a couple defensive
defensemen, and 3-4 guys who can score on a regular basis !
I just wonder if we will get 80 points, typical season, No Playoffs !
I hope asg rots in Hell for their conduct and LYING to All of us !
Harry Zanus
March 26th, 2011
3:24 pm
Question…… did the thrashers play well last night or did vancouver take it easy last night?
Cornbread
March 26th, 2011
3:44 pm
Ramsay did not say “wonderful loss” nor was that what he was implying. If anyone would have watched the entire game they would have seen that it was as he said a “wonderful game.” It was great hockey on both ends and the Thrashers once again played great against one of the NHL elites like they have all year. Not only was it a wonderful game but it was a fun game to watch.
The first goal was a softie. But, Kane had to either make a more competent pass at the opposite blue line or smarter yet, dump it in low. The Thrashers controlled the puck and to turn it over when you were least likely or expected to do so likely threw everyone on the ice, including Mason, off guard. The second goal was a thing of beauty by an elite team. The D held the puck and got the change behind the play they were looking for. It worked to perfection.
Both goals were in the second period and both took advantage of the neutral zone when the Thrashers didn’t have the puck. As I said yesterday, the Thrashers greatest weakness in team play is in the neutral zone when they don’t control the puck. This is more exposed by the long change in the second period. The second period is often won or lost in the neutral zone.
The Thrashers don’t suck. They are not a bunch of AHLers or third liners who wouldn’t be able to play on the Canucks. That they played every step of the way with them last night and controlled play most of the night should be proof of that alone. They are very young and skilled and are only going to get better.
AtlFlamesFan
March 26th, 2011
4:01 pm
That was one one of the most exciteing games all year. The first period was incredible.
Luongo stole the game, much like Pavs did for us much of November and December.
As for Mason, he also played a great game. While I thought he could have stopped the 2nd goal (he went down too early), I do not think he can be blamed at all for the first. 2-on-1 break, the D made sure there was no pass to the off wing, and the shooter made a great shot that hit the 5-hole spot perfectly. No, the blame on that goal was Kaner mishandling the puck inside our offensive blue line, leading to the 2-on-1.
Harry Zanus
March 26th, 2011
4:11 pm
Cornbread…. Haven’t we been saying every year that the thrashers are young and skilled and are only going to get better?
I am interested to hear specifically what makes this team better? They are still in the bottom of the league, dont play defense, dont have a winning mentality. One player has scored more than 20 goals. Almost everyone on the team is a minus player.
Please explain what makes this team better
Jame Brown
March 26th, 2011
4:37 pm
Actually a good crowd last night. Considering what these fans have been through and the current state of this season, I think it speaks well we can still put 15k+ in the seats. You give us a team like the Canucks and you won’t find a ticket.
sisu
March 26th, 2011
5:01 pm
There were many times when the crowd was on their feet ready to celebrate a goal only to be denied by Luongo…frustrating for sure!
I think the team played their hearts out but came up short…where was this effort for the last 2 + months?
One thought on the coaching staff here, while I like Ramsey here is my thoughts on the future. In my opinion there is no logical reason for John Torchetti to leave the Blackhawks organization for the same position in Atlanta without something promised a better job in the end? Maybe Ramsey has a year to be a head coach or two and he retires? Just my thoughts…
Alex
March 26th, 2011
5:32 pm
” Only good thing about Vancouver probably getting the President’s trophy is that, statistically, the President’s Trophy winner usually doesn’t win Lord Stanley’s Cup (only 29% of the trophy winners have gone on to win the cup).”
Do the math. Statistically, the President’s Trophy winner has the highest chance of winning at 29%. If this isn’t clear to you, think really hard.
Alan R.
March 26th, 2011
5:38 pm
sisu – You’re on to something here. It’s not the first time I’ve heard it mentioned that Ramsay’s time in Atlanta is limited.
He’s here to play the role of teacher. That much should have been evident to everyone when he was hired last summer. It would be awesome if he had some fire in him, some emotion to show on the bench when there’s an awful call or whatnot, but I don’t think that’s in him. A major factor to consider when looking at that is his health.
No, Ramsay is here to teach, and possibly groom Torchetti to taking over the reins of the team when Ramsay does hang up coaching for good. Having said that, I don’t think Ramsay will be leaving the organization when he leaves the coaching duties to Torchetti; rather, I think he’ll be moving upstairs.
Dudley will be here for four more years after this season, and I think Ramsay has one more season behind the bench left in him. I can honestly see Ramsay in a role of assistant to Dudley once that’s over, perhaps taking over for Larry Simmons.
Purely speculative, but I can’t imagine the new owner will want to keep any of the old blood. A change of direction, if you will.
Not Blind
March 26th, 2011
5:47 pm
Rawhide, you should correct that typo. Didn’t you mean “Spring Spoiled Tour” ??
tommy2tone
March 26th, 2011
6:50 pm
Prozac.
Rawhide
March 26th, 2011
6:51 pm
Actually a good crowd last night. Considering what these fans have been through and the current state of this season, I think it speaks well we can still put 15k+ in the seats. You give us a team like the Canucks and you won’t find a ticket.
JB – Spot on. I remember what it was like in the two seasons just after the lockout. The place was packed on weekends and on weeknights the place looked similar to what you say last night.
In my opinion there is no logical reason for John Torchetti to leave the Blackhawks organization for the same position in Atlanta without something promised a better job in the end? Maybe Ramsey has a year to be a head coach or two and he retires? Just my thoughts…
sisu – That was my thought last summer when it was announced Torch was coming over as an associate coach under Ramsay. Personally, if that is the intent, I’d like to see it happen this summer. I don’t expect Rammer would then take an assistant job…but maybe stay on as a consultant?
Rawhide, you should correct that typo. Didn’t you mean “Spring Spoiled Tour” ??
Not Blind – Funny. But our season was ’spoiled’ last winter…specifically speaking, with a 2-win February.
Cornbread
March 26th, 2011
6:54 pm
HZ as for your questions, since you apparently did not watch the game, do you really think the best team in the NHL going for a franchise record of road wins in a season is going to take it easy? Regardless, the Thrashers played better than well last night.
The Thrashers are better at team play and playing a system. They do play defence and have never looked better on the breakout. They have never had this much depth or scoring threat on the blue line. Shots against have been way down the second half. Their play through the neutral zone and breaking the trap is better than it ever has been. They dump the puck, establish possession, and maintain the cycle better than ever as opposed to one man trying to rush the puck only to turn it over for a chance the other way. Puck possession is better than it ever has been. The Thrashers of the past were always a quick strike one and done run and gun offensive team that rarely maintained possession anywhere near half of the game. They were a “loosey-goosey” team with no real structure. This year puck possession likely exceeds 50% for the majority of their games. The power play has been great all year without a #17. 5 on 5 has also been very good much of the year.
What has mainly hurt the Thrashers since the All-Star break has been goaltending. The best player on the penalty kill is the goalie. Is it any wonder the Thrashers have fallen so far on what was once a respectable PK? Pavs was number 2 behind Tim Thomas in SPct and GAA much of the first half of the season. Now he has fallen out of the top 20 in both categories. Since before the All-Star break when he shutout the Caps he has not played very well. Mason has been better since with fewer games played, better numbers, and more wins. Imagine how many wins the Thrashers would have now had they got better than NHL average goaltending since January.
The Thrashers are very young this season and it is also the biggest reason they are so low on the payroll. But do you really believe that 19 year olds Burmistrov and Kane, 20 year old Bogosian, 23 year olds Little and Pavelec, 24 year old Wheeler and 25 year olds Byfuglien and Ladd are not going to be better in the future? These guys all have the makings of becoming NHL stars and possibly – like Kane and Bogosian – Super Stars. Buff is already there and Ladd has led the way nicely for all of them. That’s 8 very young NHL players who are going to become very good over the next 5-8 years. That does not even include the 26 year olds Enstrom and Stuart, 27 year old Thorburn, and 25 year old Stewart, who has been the nicest surprise in his first full NHL season, all of whom are coming into their prime and will make the team better.
Watch the game being played between the goals with and without the puck. These kids are fun to watch and some of the best young talent in the game. They can play and got the skills. For the most part they play smart. What they lack is experience. That too will come. There are a lot of teams out there that would like to have them on their roster in the near future including the Canucks.
alex
March 26th, 2011
6:57 pm
couple points. vanc. played 70% focused, more worried not been hurt away game still win. some 4 liner on this team (not sure he going to be on playoff roster) scored second goal with skill i think only ladd on all thrashers squad can do same. our s 8 pick far away from nhl level so far. he spending only 10% ice time to possess and remaining time to chase. so, slater our savior. who else in minor? machacek, cormier? remember dw second round pick from sweden. looks like he also suck. it’s depressing to see what Pittsburgh doing without malkin and crosby, what wash. doing without ovy. and thrashers hope that only 911 call to slater can save there’s problem.
Stuart
March 26th, 2011
7:16 pm
The Atlanta Thrashers have the makings of a great Team, at both ends of the ice. Craig Ramsay a winner as Head Coach with a coaching staff to match his winning attitude. Having a sound Ice Hockey Staff plus good front office managment, coupled with a Great Building, can only bring success to this Sports Franchise. It does seem the Club logo is perhaps a draw back as it depicts catastrophe for Ice Hockey which includes the NHL. Perhaps the burden is valid but advertising the dilema could be the reason the Philips Arena has seats available for home games.Thrash the Clubs Mascot looks good and could even replace the current logo which would be an improvment compaired with the serious nature of the one now in use. When I saw the logo a more drawing logo catering to the Fans and Team is needed, to bring the Fans to the Philips Arena ever game. Folk lore in Georgia could provide the logo that would bring the Fans out in huge numbers. A ogopogo man clad in ice hockey skates holding a ice hockey stick, level at waist hight would do the job of getting the Fans and Team on a winning streak. Getting the local schools invoved in drawing the new logo would be a good thing to and perhaps create interest in the Great Sport of Ice Hockey. The Rest will sort itself out. With faith, the Atlanta Thrashes The NHL and Sports in general will be enjoyed by all for many more Centuries and Millennia to come. Pleasing all. A two to one lose to the best Team in the NHL in the Vancouver Canucks, who will win the 2011 Presidents Trophy and Lord Stanleys Cup, is not a bad result for the Atlanta Thrashers who look themselves on the verge of Great Ice Hockey Success.
sisu
March 26th, 2011
8:51 pm
Alex, I feel that you are missing the point with Bermi with all due respect. In any top level organization he would be in the Juniors vs. NHL. I think he will be something to watch in the near future, no he is not tearing up the league but there are very few who can right out of the draft.
I think the team has been fun and exciting to watch the last few games…the worst part is that there is really minimal talent available via free agency and draft this summer, I would suggest a trade to get a scorer. The team has many defensive players they could trade weather in the minors or perhaps someone like Oduya?
Joe Friday
March 26th, 2011
9:57 pm
“Did Ramsay hand out gold stars after the game too? Ice Cream?”
Every one of his players will get a trophy for the mantle at the end of the year for their wonderful effort!
Good grief people, that’s one thing that matters in pro sports . . . results.
new owner (on the way) = new center, #1 dman, and a real coach and we’re in business
Fan from Carolina
March 27th, 2011
8:51 am
Hey Rawhide, Who will you be pulling for in the playoffs? Even though I dislike the Caps and Boudreau in particular I would like to see a Southeast divison team go deep. The Lightning, maybe, but so hot and cold recently, ‘floating’ as Boucher said the other day. The Canes just fell short with Buffalo and the Rangers getting key wins down the stretch.
jimbo
March 27th, 2011
9:58 am
Stuart- Have you been entombed for the past 3 months? Ramsey has shown an absolute inability to adjust anything to stop an unbelievable skid. The guy is Clueless and needs to head off into retirement. We need a tough fisted, motivator to get the best out of a good core of young guys. The only “good” thing about the loss was the size of the crowd.
Rawhide
March 27th, 2011
10:08 am
FfC – I was thinking about that the other day. The first thought was Boston…if for no other reason than because of Rich Peverley.
I’m sure I’ll be putting a little more ceribral activity to this subjuct in the days to come, though.
Red Light
March 27th, 2011
10:10 am
Even if the Thrashers win all of their remaining games to finish with 90 points, the Sabres would have to go no better than 0-3-4 in its remaining games for the Thrashers to take over the 8th spot based upon wins and regulation wins.
Basically, if the Sabres manage to get five points from their remaining seven games, the Thrashers are officially done.
Harry Zanus
March 27th, 2011
10:19 am
Cornbread, sorry I am not convinced. I see the same story as every year. The players you mentioned above will be 2nd line players at best, not stars, or superstars. Buff is not already there, he is decent, but no superstar.
On the last blog you said we are as good as pittsburgh and philadelphia????? These are two of the best teams in the east, we are one of the worst. Penguins superstars(real superstars) go out for extended time and the pens still win, they don’t nosedive, thats a good team. Comparing philly to atlanta is just silly also.
Like frosty said above, we have one player, ONE, who has more than 20 goals, may get 30. No other player on our team has 20 or more goals. This team still does not play defense. I am not convinced by your points.
NHL Ready
March 27th, 2011
10:25 am
CornBread you are so far off the mark it makes me sick to read your blog. You must work for the spirt to believe that crap you wrote. This is the NHL not junoir hockey. This team needed to win this season. We are not going to do it and didn’t win with the entire team being so young. Excuse I am sick of it and if you think Stewart had a good year give me a break. I was raised with Northeast Hockey this team was a joke from the begining. Lets trade away players like Eager and bring in another puss player just like the Coach. Oh and lets give away Sopel. This team really sucks look at the Plus minus on our players that tells it all. You want another season filled will Good game losses? Not me. Go Boston, Rangers and Philly. Those are teams with real players not a bunch of players still wearing pull-ups.
tommy2tone
March 27th, 2011
10:30 am
@ Joe Friday. Hey don’t be so hard on ‘em. It’s something to build on, right Rammer?
Twisted Wrister
March 27th, 2011
10:35 am
What happened to that idiot Al?
Oh yeah, that’s right, I remember now……
Al, the idiot, is going to crawl back under his rock. Al, the idiot, is going to crawl back under his rock. Al, the idiot, is going to crawl back under his rock.
I forgot how easily it worked.
ZAvalanche
March 27th, 2011
12:07 pm
Alex, um….you are wrong and I did the math (and am actually have a MS in statistics). 29% of the time the President’s Trophy winner wins the cup. That means that 71% of the time the don’t. I don’t know about you, but if I had to, I would go with 71% over 29% every time. It is not like arguing over weather Newton or Liebniz discovered calculus, it really pretty simple. So, yeah, do the math……
Big Chief
March 27th, 2011
12:10 pm
Me thinkum Cornbread and Ramsay smokum peasum pipe.
Wait few minutes.
Then thinkum everthing wonderful.
Um juicy fruit koolaid.
Brendan
March 27th, 2011
12:27 pm
I adore the title of this blog. I’ve been harping on ‘wonderful’ for quite some time now, with respect to Craig Ramsay’s choice of words.
Might I add, that per Ramsay, it’s been a ‘wonderful’ season. With ‘wonderful’ players. And ‘fantastic’ coaches.
ZAvalanche
March 27th, 2011
12:38 pm
I take back my thought about LA possibly making a run in the West – Kopitar is out for the season with a broken ankle. Sucks for LA, they have a pretty good team.
LAC
March 27th, 2011
1:20 pm
I find it a slap in the face of Atlanta, the the nhl has a question asking fans to vote on which NON playoffs team this season will make it NEXT season… Per usual… Atlanta is ommited, in favor of
Colorado,NYI,Columbus,St.Louis,Ottawa,Edmonton.
Just proves more and more, The nhl does not want Atlanta to suceed in ANY way,Period !
ZAvalanche
March 27th, 2011
1:24 pm
LAC – if Atl picks up a top, strong stay-at-home, D, I think they will make it. But your post is valid. If CO can stay healthy they will make it. I don’t think Edmonton will, nor Ottawa. The hard thing is that the strong teams this year will likely be strong next year, making it hard for the non-playoff teams of this year to get in.
Thrashers27
March 27th, 2011
5:03 pm
If young Mr. Bogosian can play a more consistent game next season, I am very happy with our D-corps. I really like the addition of Stuart.
Now if we can unload the other Stewart…come to think of it…he didn’t play today, did he? Well then…I hope we’ve seen the last of him in a Thrashers jersey. The hat trick was nice, but he hasn’t done much at all since then.
Hockey Biltong
March 27th, 2011
6:12 pm
Nice win boys…too bad it was not in regulation…
Cornbread
March 27th, 2011
6:17 pm
I really wonder if some of you detractors have ever played the game at length or still do. I kind of doubt it.
HZ PHI has been my team since the Broad Street Bullies days. When I was in first grade I wanted to play in the NHL for the Pens because I liked their uniforms. I know a thing or two about both of those teams and their style of play. I NEVER said the Thrashers were as good as PHI and PIT. I have always said both of them were elites and ATL is a very good young team. Go back and read what I wrote. If you can’t comprehend it sorry but if you really want to learn what all 3 teams do that is similar in their neutral zone play I’ll be glad to explain it to you.
You asked what makes this team better and I told you and all you can say is you are not convinced. What don’t you agree with? Prove to the rest of us what I noted that this team has been doing better in their play all season and will improve upon is not the case. As far as the players being second line, there is no way you can know that. Kane absolutely is going to be a stud. Even if it is true he’s a 2nd line wing, so what? Are 2nd line Malkin and 3rd line Staal not Stars or Super Stars. That you really think that 19 year old Kane and 20 year old Bogosian don’t have the game to become Super Stars in the NHL proves that you don’t know what you are watching. Did you even watch last years Stanley Cup playoffs? Big Buff was an MVP candidate, Stanley Cup Champion, knocked Pronger around, Norriss candidate, and All Star. In short he is a Super Star at 25 and in the next 5 years is only going to become a bigger one. The guy is changing the way the game is played.
Quit evaluating the game on goals and wins and losses alone. There is a lot more to it than that. And as the Thrashers stand now they play a very good team game and are only going to get better.
glovesave29
March 27th, 2011
6:48 pm
Well said Cornbread. It always irks me that each GA must be blamed on someone, instead of realizing these guys we are up against are some of the greatest athletes in the world…sometimes you can watch our D do everything right, and you STILL pick the puck outta the net. You just tip the cap to a nice play and go after them at the next puck drop.
While I am upbeat and positive about the direction of the team…I am getting tired of spending each spring watching 16 teams NOT named the Thrashers play for the cup. But I can’t blame the current regime for the mistakes of their predecessors. Next season is a critical one…time to put up or shut up and make a run into the playoffs. Let’s just hope we need not mention DW or the ASG in the present tense in 2011-2012.
Harry Zanus
March 27th, 2011
6:54 pm
Cornbread, I am very familiar with the game. I have played a little hockey, soccer is more of my sport, but my grandpa did play hockey.I have watched hockey since I was a little fella. This team is the same year after year. I dont have to make any points, the team makes my points for me.
If Buff is such a superstar, where has he been the 2nd half of season. As far as him being an mvp, I hope you are talking about playoff mvp not the season.
Bottom line is, we could go back and forth for the next ten years about this team. The team shows what it is
Brendan
March 27th, 2011
6:57 pm
That was a fun one to attend! Yeah, at 3-1, and 4-2, we should have closed out in overtime. I grant you all that. And yes, it’s ‘cheaper’ win … since it was obtained in the shootout, but c’mon dudes and dudettes, we’re not making the playoffs to make relevant the distinction between regulation time, overtime, and shootout wins. Hey, at 76-points, at least we equalez the 2008 and 2009 point totals. When this team was stuck on 60-points, for seemingly an eternity, 76-points looked out of reach. When you win at a .150 clip, it sort of is out of reach. But it’s been pretty decent over the last 10 or so games.
In our AJC.com contest, nobody picked 82-points, for a .500 season. And there were over 80 guesses. So, what that tells me is … we either thought this team would be better than .500 or below it. Anyone with 90 or fewer points is still alive in the contest.
World Be Free
March 27th, 2011
7:15 pm
That was horrible, 2 blow leads against a team with a bunch of AHL-ers. What a mess this has become, win or no win. A few more observations-
–Stapleton deserves a look next year, at least he tries every shift. Sedin made a rush through the neurtral zone on Friday that resulted in a penality shot. Stapes did the same, just a 2 minute penalty. TYhese refs are mostly bad these days.
–Coach Ramsay, thank you for sitting Stewart. I will drive him to the airport at the end of this season and present him with a one way ticket, to somewhere.
–I may have finally come to the end of the line with Bogosian. What the heck is he doing out there? Putting him and Hainsey on together will increase the sale of pacemakers in Atlanta.
When will we see Pavs again?
World Be Free
March 27th, 2011
7:16 pm
Sorry for the bad grammar in my previous post
Alan R.
March 27th, 2011
7:21 pm
This team is the same year after year. I dont have to make any points, the team makes my points for me.
Part of a debate is backing up your statements.
I have no dog in this fight, but I actually get tired of seeing someone say things, but not actually back them up. When pressed to do so, it’s “the team does it for me.”
Explain: What does the team actually do to back up what you’re saying? Can you explain it?
Gwinnett Fred
March 27th, 2011
7:45 pm
A fun game indeed, certainly not played by 2 teams acting like they were playing out the string.
If everybody on the team had Thorburn’s intensity and desire to make every shift mean something, we’d have a much better record.
Anyway, very enjoyable game – good crowd (over 16000) and a pleasure meeting you Bill!
Brendan
March 27th, 2011
7:48 pm
The replay of tonight’s win is at 11PM on SPSO.
Chippers Love Child, at 75-points, is still alive, provided the Thrashers get no more points the rest of the way. Up next is Badger Bob, at 77-points. Jethro and Nate are next, at 78-points. Zoomo, Curly, and Bob Friday are at 79-points. At 80-points, are Red Light, WBF, ex-STH, and J-Man.
At the top end, let’s revisit the eliminees, at 91 and 92-points. Those posters eliminated would be Mikey, Larry, Thrashy Thrashy, Paminsky, Alan R., Kracker, lee, Tom Lysiak, Jameson, and goose at 91-points. At 92-points are HockeyMom92, Zombie Steve, Putting On The Foil, GaVaHokie, Viking, Tony C., five_hole, Simon, Hockey Biltong, Rhythmpenguin and Glovesave29.
At 90-points, and still alive, are: Hokie P. Clisters, rightshot, Rob, Denny, and DWTOO. At 89-points are: Thrashers27, FIF, Puckhead, BaldheadedThrasherFan, and Hip Czech.
Hockey Biltong
March 27th, 2011
8:00 pm
Eliminated…harrumph. Too optimistic….Damn February….
This is NOT the team that fed Kovy the puck and sat and watched. This team plays a much more inclusive game in all lines. I definitely feel that there has been progress.Andersons’ game did not have the attention to detail that Rammers has. I do NOT agree with all of Rammers decisions on personnel and strategery, but this is better than Waddell or Anderson.
Baldheaded Thrasher Fan
March 27th, 2011
8:06 pm
Brendan, I think my 90 points predictions were just a little optimistic….just like I thought that there was no way anyone/group could be worse than AOL for an ownership.
Anyone see the no call on the hooking/tripping with avbout 30 seconds left in the 3rd?
Brendan
March 27th, 2011
8:16 pm
Gwinnett Fred, it was a great crowd. It was “kid’s day,” after all. And all kids had fun! Big ones and little ones. What a great time that was.
Folks, I’ve caught up on a few posts now. What have I always told you, hmmn? Suppose some poster calls you an ‘idiot?’ Whattaya do? Answer: You ignore them. You don’t lend credibility to the accusation by responding! You answer a social miscreant, they drag you into their gutter with them. People who come here to ‘firebomb’ the site have nothing to offer anyway. But if your response to them is to VEHEMENTLY defend yourself as not being an ‘idiot,’ you just encourage them further, and unwittingly lend some validity to the claim. You know better. Ya do.
Someone calls you a ‘lambchop’ … consider the source, let it go, and move on. There’s no need for you to boil into anti-mutton mode. If someone comes here with an opinion you disagree with … chalk it up to “you can’t get 10 people in a room and get them all to agree that water is wet.” People on this site … are going to get angry with the Thrashers, its management, and its ownership. That’s the effect of ten years out of eleven (10/11) … outside of the playoffs. For the love of Pete, let them do it. If they didn’t CARE about the Thrashers, they wouldn’t be here … and they wouldn’t get angry. After all, they’re probably some original Flyer, Bruin, Blackhawk, or Rangers fan … living in Atlanta. So the Thrashers failures don’t bother them nearly the way they do for natives and 2nd generation transplanted Yankees, who grew up here.
If someone is an idiot … let them be an idiot. And put them on full ignore mode. Now, let’s try to enjoy this road trip and the rest of the season. Looking fowrard to the finale versus Pittsburgh, another afternoon game.
World Be Free
March 27th, 2011
8:18 pm
Biltong-great seeing you Friday night.
Maybe Year Two with Ramsay and co will yield more discipline. But this current squad is 3 quality NHL players away of being there in the hunt at the end of the season. So to move forward, we have to spend money on players. Include in that some $$$ for a goal scorer. These guys are a bunch of gorillas, pipe fitters around the net. Should have made the deal for Versteeg, he would be the best scorer this team would have at this point. He can have Stewart’s right wing spot.
One more point-I noticed a couple bloggers were not impressed witb Vancouver Friday night-not sure which game you were watching. The first 7 minutes of the Canucks’ game may have been the best 7 minutes of hockey at Philips all season. They pass as well as any team in the league and use the wrist shot over the big windup. And, most of all the majority of the Vancouver team finishes their checks, some of the best hitting all season and no dirty hits. The Sedins don’t hit, but try taking the puck away from either twin the corners-can’t do it. Anyone who calls them the Sedin Sisters is just jealous because they are talented.
Don’t be surprised in Vancouver is hoisting metal around June 1.
Hockey Biltong
March 27th, 2011
8:24 pm
Hey WBF, how about a deal where we send Mason and one other for a good shooter???
And look for another back up goalie….
Brendan
March 27th, 2011
8:25 pm
Biltong, remember … the person or persons who win this contest … are just, plain “lucky.” It’s an 82 game season. What happens if half the team is wiped out by injury? Or we revert to pressing into service an AHL and an ECHL goalie in our system, because Pavelec and Mason are down for the year, in December? What if Ramsay had been fired in January? Shrugs. It’s impossible to know how things will unfold, with any kind of certainty.
Baldheaded ThrasherFan, I saw it! I saw it! Live in the flesh, I saw it! Way better than the Vancouver game on Friday, of which, the best part was all that Guinness beer I drank. Hey, Baldheaded ThrasherFan, you’re still alive. The Thrashers just have to win them all. To me, the real question is … can they get back to last year’s 83-points? That would be … a line of demarcation for success or failure … for some. Not all, just some.
AtlFlamesFan
March 27th, 2011
8:28 pm
@Baldy – There were about 16,000 people there that saw that obvious trip, but those refs decided to put there whistles away then.
I was thinking, if the refs did call the penalty, and we mantained possession, I think I would try to play keep-away and run out the clock. That way, you would have a full 2 minutes of 4-on-3 instead of splitting up some of the time at 5-on-4.
Any opinions?
Hockey Biltong
March 27th, 2011
8:36 pm
Ja Brendan , I savvy… just hoping for more of a breakout season!
The trip was replayed on the scoreboard, btw…
Baldheaded Thrasher Fan
March 27th, 2011
8:38 pm
AFF, I agree 4 on 3 in O/T is a killer..I hate to see a penality called in the last 2 minutes of regulation and/or OT unless it really has an effect on the game. Maybe the refs thought it was basically a no harm no foul call, but it was oh so obvious it was laughable.
Regardless, the Thrashers should not have allowed the game to be tied at that point in time.
Brendan
March 27th, 2011
8:42 pm
WBF, attended the Vancouver game. Like the start, but I felt the first 40 minutes lacked sustained intensity. I liked the 3rd period, and especially the Bryan Little and the frenzy that followed it. Until the empty-netter, it certainly was a contest … but I felt we kept on losing the “one-on-one” battles. When the game was on the line, we needed a faceoff win. Instead, the Canuckleheads won the draw and 1.5 seconds later, the puck was in our empty-net. Hey, that’s the way it goes. Now, certainly, I’ll listen to the argument that says, “Vancouver’s the best team in the NHL, and it came down to the final seconds before it was over.” ‘Cuz well, that’s true. We can chock that up to a ‘moral victory.’ But plenty on these boards don’t like ‘moral victories,’ they like ACTUAL ones. I enjoyed the 3rd period of the Canucks game. I felt that we got our chances. That’s Luongo, at the other end. Luongo is, arguably, the best goalie in the league.
This afteroon, we saw a goalie I wish was AVAILABLE in free agency, Craig Anderson. Nice pick up by the Sens. By the way, folks, I saw one (1) Ottawa Senators jersey all game long. This was a house of 16,000 Atlanta fans. Niiiiice.
LAC
March 27th, 2011
8:58 pm
About the only good thing about this game is we won. We have got to get a Real NHL goalie for next season. Neither one we have is more than a backup. Mason is Terrible !
I agree with WBF… bogosian has got to go. Did everyone see the second goal ? He had his stick over his head ??? He was coasting along with the other player. Disgusting and he is playing
all the minutes he does and the brass love him ? HE STINKS !!! Trade him please, Postma can do MUCH better than LAZY little zach bogosian, What in the world is his problem here ? Does he need a long time in the minors ? I thing he needs to be GONE before the puck drops next season, hope DUD dudley gets at least a fifth rounder for him ! How about it DUD ????
Lastly I really was kinda taken back by a comment by Dennis Potivn during the game.
He said when Ottawa needed help from the minors, They got it from Binghamton, and the kids there were playing the system. He said the SAME cannot be said about Atlanta, because the do NOT have their OWN Farm team ! We have go to end this Chicago mess and start an Atlanta farm team for Atlanta BY Atlanta. We have almost Nvere has any decent minor league callups !
But when you have an IDIOT like Dumb don waddell running things, what more should we expect.
Let’s just HOPE any new owner will establish an Atlanta AHL affilate and start producing players we can develop ourselves, not the mess we have with Chicago !
I still say bring back The Birmingham Bulls, would be a PERFECT location and remember The Flames had their top farm team there the last two seasons in Atlanta, so don’t say it won’t work !
Smoothie
March 27th, 2011
9:51 pm
Bogosian has a lot to learn. The potential is there but the consistent intensity is lacking. Guess it takes a special 19/20 y/o (Toews is called Capt Serious for a reason) to filter out the distractions on and off the ice. Zach should be paired with Mark Stuart from now on and told that he is to pattern his game after #5’s. Stu plays the game the way it was meant to be played: hard and intense. Zach, shadow Mark Stuart and do everything hh does.
Put Toby with Oduya on the 2nd pair and spread the minutes evenly across the 3 pairs. The last 7 games are learning opportunities against 7 good hockey teams. Go to work Rammer.
glovesave29
March 27th, 2011
10:23 pm
I was watching ZB today…specifically his footwork and positioning. The kid is a smooth skater…a really REALLY good one, and that’s a talent to build on. His positioning can be addressed, but the talents he posses are a gift. If he fails to meet his abilities here, it’s our fault (the organization…that is), not his.
LAC – BHM is perfect…for more reasons that what you stated. Sure, we’d put “our” system in place, but think of the fan base to build on too. Fans from Alabama would latch on to the team to see the guys from the Bulls make it into the NHL. The call ups can be here in 3 hours after zipping across I-20. Travel for the team would be expensive in the beginning, but I feel the AHL is poised to move south. Cities like BHM, NO, MEM, LVL can join the league in the coming years.
Go Thrashers! POM POM
oh well
March 27th, 2011
10:43 pm
I come to bury Thrasher goaltender Marshmallow Mason not praise him. I absolutely refuse to lavish any praise on the wanna be NHL netminder. Why? Given initial lead. Blew it quickly! Given late two goal lead. Blew it too! The loser did manage to secure a HOME shootout win over the bottom feeding Ottawa Sens who had absolutely nada to play for. Whoop de doo! If the untalented sieve would have not blown an early edge then a two goal third period cushion there would have been no need of a shootout. It would also have prevented yet another rival from gaining points at Philips Arena. A true home away from home for all other NHL teams! These uncaring prima donnas simply do not give two shakes of a monkey’s butt! Players went into tank several weeks ago. Playing out string. Know quitters will be glad when season ends. Hope next season these bums are skating in a new location. The farther north the better! Nauseating.
Midfield
March 27th, 2011
10:51 pm
That’s right, Brendan. One-on-one battles; a bit too soft near own goal, a fraction of a second too slow shooting the puck, an inch too far passing the puck, a notch too stiff receiving a pass. Little by little – and I don’t mean Bryan Little – this becomes a roster lacking skills to be a contender.
Brendan
March 27th, 2011
10:52 pm
Bogosian is a 2008 draft pick. He shouldn’t be playing top pairing minutes until 2012, at the earliest. He needs proper time to develop. But, these are the Atlanta Thrashers, where … draft picks are rushed into the lineups and sold to the people as ’saviors,’ in support of DW-led playoff bluster, smack dab in the middle of a ‘4-year building’ project, that the organization DENIED was ever taking place.
I don’t know what’s worse, the insincerity or the stupidity. There are times when you have to wonder … are the owners merely ’stupid’ instead of lying, manipulative, non-caring, disassociated … ‘how soon can I flip this team’ stewards of the franchise. I suppose … it’s quite calculated that an Entry Level contract, filled with millions of dollars in bonus clauses, while actually paying out a miniscule salary for these Top 10 overall picks, works for their purposes. To place Bogosian, Kane, and/or Burmistrov, immediately upon their drafting, on their Juniors team, doesn’t help them reach the floor of the cap. Disgusting. So, the results are … that these draft picks are PRESSED into the NHL ahead of schedule. Then, posters on a blog are infuriated that they’re NOT ‘NHL-ready’ or ‘NHL-capable.’
Well color me ‘non-shocked’ that Bogosian makes 20-year mistakes. That Burmistrov, an 18-year old, gets muscled off the puck, for a simply embarrassing goal last Fall. And that Kane isn’t a 30-goal scorer yet. These guys needed more time before entering the NHL. But the Thrashers organization pats themselves on the back, by pointing to the successes of these players … as big steps in the right direction.
Ya know … a Top 10 overall pick is BETTER VALUE for the money at age 21 or 22, then at 20 or 21. If you start them at age at 18, they hit RFA status at age 20 (18, 19, 20 = 3 years). Start them at 19, (19, 20, 21) they wind up hitting RFA status at age 21. Start them at age 20, (20, 21, 22) and they hit RFA status at age 22. Organizations can afford to wait and properly develop talent … if their previous 4-5 years of drafting have born fruit.
LAC
March 27th, 2011
10:58 pm
Right glove, Carolina moved their team to Charlotte starting this season, I believe their attandence is about 6-7,000 per game, not bad. Would also give Atlanta fans a chance to go over for a Friday/Saturday night game if Atlanta is on a long road trip. Would be fun. I remember going to Charlotte games after moving to Atlanta in 1969, My Dad and I had a great time, plus Charlotte had a strong team coached by Fred Creighton, later Falmes coach, was fun and Birmingham,
“The Magic City” is worthy of an AHL team.
oh well
March 27th, 2011
11:17 pm
No lead is safe with Marshmallow Mason between the pipes! Know my level of interest in Thrashers? Was surfing channels between Thrashers and NCAA ice hockey playoff showdown replay. Spent more time on college game. One I saw live so knew how it would end. Truly sad state of affairs. Uncaring teams going through motions have that effect on me. Sorry Cornbread. Oh well.
Brendan
March 27th, 2011
11:25 pm
Oh well, you’ve toned it down quite a bit lately, under this new handle. But you can’t use words like ‘Marshmallow Mason’ … ‘uncaring primadonnas,’ and pronouncing the team worthless, needing to be relocated … without paying Stendec a royalty; otherwise, it’s copyright infringement. Now go pay Stendec what you owe him, for ripping off his persona.
Midfield, this team is not playoff-worthy. We could surmize that from the opening night budget. Where I thought this team could be different from the previous ones … resided in Ramsay preaching defensive responsibility, that kind which made him a Selke Trophy winner. That knowledge was NOT imparted this season, for reasons that mystify me. And, also, I think this team had more depth than previous Thrashers teams. Trouble was … it only works when all four lines of depth are functioning. Look back to October and November, Atlanta would get contributions from Thorburn, Stewart, Boulton, Slater, Eager, Burmistrov, etc. When that dried up, so did the Thrashers ability to win games, relying too heavily on Byfuglien, Antropov, Kane, Peverley, and Bryan Little to keep the SS Thrashers afloat.
Depth strategies only work … when each line is just as likely to score as any other. With that kind of ‘balacing act,’ the team can and would win. It just wasn’t there … over the 4 lines … for enough games. Plus, as well all know by now, it’s a lot easier to defeat teams in October and November than it is in March and April. When the team went on a .350 clip, over 30 games, during a clutch portion of the season, the team’s deficiencies were exposed. I’m not saying that firing the Coach would have made us a playoff team. Truthfully, I still think we would have missed the playoffs … with Torchetti, or someone else, behind the bench. When a team begins the season with the additions of Freddy Modin and Nigel Dawes … you call it what it is: A bargain barrel roster. But a roster with potential, for sure. If Kane and Little were 30 goal scorers … if Sopel and Eager had been more ‘Blackhawk-like,’ … if Odontcha had been more like NJ’s Oduya … and if Nic Bergfors had managed to keep himself out of Craig Ramsay’s doghouse all year long … maybe we could have a reason to talk about playoffs. Rich certainly wasn’t “Peverywhere” this year. I wish him well in Boston, along with Boris Valabik. I do believe Blake Wheeler and Mark Stuart will make our team better, down the road.
Plus, Midfield, this team was ‘unprepared to play’ for over 20 games this year. How are they supposed to overcome that? We can blame coaching, there. The Coach must have his players motivated to play. That’s not a GM function, unless the players the GM brought here had well-know, well-established character flaws. But Sean Avery isn’t here. Matt Cooke isn’t here. And Donald Brashear was bought-out without playing a game. But at least he served an important function, namely, to rid the franchise of Todd “Milk Carton” White. Allright, I’ll wrap it up here.
Smoothie
March 27th, 2011
11:31 pm
More excuses for Bogosian. Yeah he’s young but how many games in the NHL does it take to know you take the body and tie up the stick near your own net? Bogo inexplicably stopped after pinning Neil behind the net failing to move back in front of the net, meanwhile Neil waltzed right past him. Is that a mistake any player with 200 games under his belt should make? Just sayin’
Big Chief
March 28th, 2011
12:28 am
Me thinkum Cornbread has thinum skin for “Broad Street Bullies” fan.
You make’um excuses like Briere floppum, not like Broad Street Bullies fightum.
World Be Free
March 28th, 2011
7:02 am
Biltong, not sure who will take Mason. There’s about 10-15 “NHL” goalies like him so he has little or no market value especially at his age. Give it a shot, what the heck!
Brendan, I thought Vancouver put on a clinic in the 2nd period Friday night. Are they the best team? Don’t know but they sure are the most efficient team in the game today. They have a core of leaders and willing followers. Even Maxim Lapierre has finally shut his mouth and started playing hockey. Finally, they have TWO NHL goaltenders. Schnieder could start for half the teams in the league.
Bogosian-my issue with Zach uis that he is all over the place. A defenseman has an area that he is responsble for. Bogosian is constantly out of position, putting pressure on his mate and the rest of the team. Stay in your zone and play the man! He has NO ability in front of his net, as witnessed on the 2nd and 3rd goals yesterday. We are not asking for alotta offense out of Bogo, just learn to play defense like Sopel did when he was here. Bogo did not learn from Sopel who has made a fine NHL career with not much talent.
LAC-I am real happy the Senators picked up Denis Potvin to be their color man. Good call.
On the flip side, the Bruins need to get rid of Andy Brickley as their color commentator. This guy is the biggest crybaby since Fred Cusack, the legendary Bruins crybaby. Stop chirping about a penalty on the opposing team every time someone breathes on a Bruin.
World Be Free
March 28th, 2011
7:42 am
We can blame Mason for some of the goals, but we also have to wonder what our defense is thinking in our own zone. Watch Vancouver, all of their d-men take the body with Bieksa taking the man the hardest. Physical stuff, nothing dirty.
Opposing forwards can have breakfast in from of our net. Knock someone down, even if you take a penalty you send a message that the front of our net is a no fly zone for opposing forwards. That second Ottawa goal made me sick. Ottawa had no offense except down low below the goal line, where they man handled our defenseman.
AtlFlamesFan
March 28th, 2011
7:43 am
The 2nd goal was Enstrom’s fault, not Bogo’s. Toby let the Sen come from behind the goal between him and the post. That should never happen.
The 3rd goal was Hainsey’s fault, not Bogo’s. When someone skates right around your D partner leaving you with 2 on one in front of the net, you do the best you can, which Bogo did.
LAC
March 28th, 2011
7:59 am
WBF, I agree brinkley is AWFUL !!!! The Buffalo announcer is the NHL’s Worst, By Far.
Dan Kelly’s son in St.Louis is great and I have always enjoyed Sam Rosen.
Another that needs to depart is tripp tracey on Carolina telecasts, he is not good at all.
World Be Free
March 28th, 2011
8:00 am
AFF-fair enough, I just see Bogo looking more like a figure skater than a hockey player these days. I have kept my yap shut about him until today, but it looks like I have a number of people that feel the same way. I need to see some progress in his play; if not, we need to use his potential at the draft to get a scorer in here.
World Be Free
March 28th, 2011
8:06 am
LAC-I like Miller and Fox for the Kings as well. Any team that is objective about the game and honest about both teams is fine with me. Both the Buffalo announcers have been at it too long, Jeanneret has been on the Sabres’ annoucing staff since 1971. Ironically, Buffalo has a better color commentator in the studio, Mike Robitaille. Roby is an honest as the day is long, they need him do color commentary and retire Harry Neale.
Red Light
March 28th, 2011
8:12 am
Identity. What is it?
Since 1999-00 this team has yet to create one.
Pride. What is it?
Since 1999-00 this team has yet to demonstrate it. Too many players have pulled the sweater on without much in the way of meaning.
System. What is it?
Since 1999-00 this team has tried several to no avail. The one that resonated with the fans was the brief one during the Hartley era, 2005-06 and 2006-07, and not just because it resulted in a playoff appearance. They had become tougher to play against. Since, there has been none but I could see Ramsay’s system work with several new pieces of the puzzle.
Organizational depth. What is that?
Since 1999-00 this team has not developed the depth necessary to compete on a nightly basis with injuries, etc. Who can you call up from Chicago and be certain the kids will perform? Without the moves Dudley made to acquire players to insert in the every day lineup, think of where this season might have wound up. If Postma, Kulda and Machacek are indeed future NHL players, clearly none will be stars in the league, what are you left with outside of them? Not much. There are several guys playing in Europe and Juniors who will be signed and who will move up to the AHL during the next few seasons, but that depth might not be felt until 2 to 3 years down the road. To compete next year, Dudley again will have to dig deep and pull off a few trades to round out the roster, particularly if he is not “allowed” to spend $8 to $10 million more than he did this season.
This team is better off going into next year than it has been, but it still has a ways to go when you consider how many current players in the system will actually compete for a job. There is no better example of the depth problem than Stapleton. When he gets a job on the NHL squad at the age of 28, there is a major problem with the organization in terms of depth. Ditto Schremp. Ditto 3 of the 4 guys 20 years old and younger forced to play earlier than they were ready.
LAC
March 28th, 2011
8:36 am
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Mike Murphy recorded his second shutout of the week as the Charlotte Checkers defeated the Connecticut Whale, 1-0, in front of a record crowd of 12,933 on Saturday evening.
Charlotte is drawing great guns in The Queen City in the AHL this season, not to mention the are third in their division with 91 points.
Just FYI, Birmingham could be that for the Thrashers I believe !!!!
Smoothie
March 28th, 2011
8:37 am
The third goal was neither D-man’s fault, but rather the forwards’ fault for even allowing such a transition play at the end of a PP. On the 2nd goal, Toby knew he couldn’t attack the puck handler aggressively since Zach vacated his spot to “handle” Neil. But Bogey lingered too long behind the net and worse yet, just stared at Neil as he swept in for the rebound. Toby did lose his stick briefly and was a tad late to the short side because of it. But Mason also needs to play tougher at the post which has been a problem all season.
Ray
March 28th, 2011
8:41 am
WBF, you must have missed several hits Bogo made, especially the one against the boards late in the 3rd. He’s 20, not 30 and his game has improved considerably since Ramsey put him in the press box. These are some of the same comments people made about Coburn, but he has turned into a solid D-man. I will agree with you 100% if we don’t see a significant improvement next year. The poor positions, etc. should be eliminated greatly by then.
AtlFlamesFan
March 28th, 2011
8:44 am
There is no doubt that Bogo has his faults. (I was furious at him the other night for shooting the puck into the approaching winger’s shin pads, leading to a breakaway goal. You learn at PeeWee that in that situation, you shoot the puck into the corner.). However, I believe that he receives a disproportionate amount of criticism.
Bogo is gifted and talented. He will become a star in this game.
Smoothie
March 28th, 2011
8:54 am
Coburn is highly overrated on this message board / blog.
Yes, Bogosian is young and prone to brain-freeze. Is he getting better? He’s shown some improvement but he’s now dragging down Enstrom’s +/- He was a -14 or so with Oduya and now he’s about a -10 playing w/ Hains and Enstrom. Its no coincidence that he is a -23 or so. And guess what? Oduya’s +/- has been relatively unchanged since Bogo was moved off his pairing. He better be a lot better next season if we don’t trade him for a young scorer like JvR this summer.
World Be Free
March 28th, 2011
8:56 am
Ray, AFF-there’s been no bigger supporter of Bogosian on this blog than me, insisting the any defenseman is better off staying in the mionors and getting some seasoning. I have resisted tossing this “kid” under the wheels for some time and still don’t feel that I am. But I need to some progress; he still seems lost all to often out there and that has to be remedied in some way by this coaching staff.
I had some of the same issues as a defenseman that Bogosian suffers from. It’s easy to get out of position and start chasing the puck, something Bogo has been guilty of all too often. He is too soft in front of the net and needs to drop the gloves more often. Hits are only effective if they take the opposing player out of the play. Sometimes an over zealous hit will actually take the defenseman out of position, opening the opportunity for an odd man opportunity the other way.
We never had enough time to breal down Coburn’s play before he was traded for a bag of turds.
Red Light
March 28th, 2011
9:09 am
Size, skating ability and skill is a pretty good start for a young defenseman. Awareness, reading the play, positional play can be taught if the player has the mental capacity to learn. Those are traits shared by Bogosian and Coburn.
The question for the panel: Can you learn to play with heart? a) Yes, b) no, c) explain
R. Stroz
March 28th, 2011
9:34 am
Red Light – The right coach can add “heart” to a player, however the player must have a certain level of desire to demand “heart” from himself.
I’ve coached alot of young men. In tryouts, I had a knack for picking out the players who had “heart” and letting the “talented” soft players move on. A player with heart and a brain can be “coached up,” unfortunately a soft player usually stays a “tin man”.
AtlFlamesFan
March 28th, 2011
9:42 am
“Tin Man”. Did someone mention Patrik Stefan?
Smoothie
March 28th, 2011
9:42 am
Juniors in college usually stop making so many mental errors. Just wondering when Z-Bo is going to show a little more consistency in his decision-making. Progress is being made and we can only hope he is a scintillating senior if he’s still with the team next fall.
Swede
March 28th, 2011
10:13 am
Why is even burmi out there? He doesnt contribute much at all, playing with boulton and thorby on the 4th line. WHY isnt he playing in ohl and getting alot more TOI including alot of PP.
So why does burmi play in the nhl? Because we dont have anyone better on our roster or prospects. Lets say he would have been drafted by detroit, would he have been rushed to the nhl first season? NO.. Cause they have better players playing on his position and they WOULDNT rush him. Same with bogosian and kane. It comes to the organisation, it´s their fault…
Bag of Turds
March 28th, 2011
10:16 am
“We never had enough time to breal down Coburn’s play before he was traded for a bag of turds”
I take great exception to that comment and I am deeply offended!
AtlFlamesFan
March 28th, 2011
10:28 am
I wouldn’t go as far as saying Burmi does not contribute, but yes, he would have been better off playing Jr. And why is he skating with guys who cannot skate with him?
World Be Free
March 28th, 2011
10:57 am
Bag of Turds-even Sabres’ fans were smart enough to know Zhitnik was a stiff, before we traded a prime prospect for his “talents”. Something else a defenseman needs to acquire to be good-discipline. Bogo has very little of this trait.
Good time to talk about Burmi, as long as we are talkign about bringing up Bogosian too soon. Burmie started strong, then had a lull in his play before breaking a bone in his foot. This guys is just coming off a broken wheel! His play has been better since his return.
Dipping Sauce
March 28th, 2011
10:59 am
Mmmm yumm! A bag of turds!! Gimme!
Red Light
March 28th, 2011
11:04 am
Burmistrov is filling a need and is not playing the role he will be assigned in the very near future. Compared to Skinner, Marchand, Grabner, etc., Burmistrov hasn’t had the opportunity to play with other skilled players very often this season. Don’t give up on this kid! He’s a player.
Zombie Steve
March 28th, 2011
11:08 am
Impressed with Little’s play lately – I hope he breaks 20 goals…
Red Light
March 28th, 2011
11:14 am
Burmistrov is 15th of all NHL rookie forwards in even strength points, but 33rd in even-strength ice time. He has no power play points at all this season and has averaged just :19 per game on that unit, but is 16th among rookie forwards in shorthanded time on ice at 1:03 per game.
One area that he needs a lot of work is in the face-off circle. He has taken 600 draws and has won only 292 of those.
Red Light
March 28th, 2011
11:15 am
“One area that he needs a lot of work is in the face-off circle. He has taken 600 draws and has won only 292 of those.”
Sorry, it is only 242 wins, not 292.
Bag of Turds
March 28th, 2011
11:16 am
“Bag of Turds-even Sabres’ fans were smart enough to know Zhitnik was a stiff, before we traded a prime prospect for his “talents”. Something else a defenseman needs to acquire to be good-discipline. Bogo has very little of this trait.”
Which is exactly why I take such exception to being compared to Zhitnik and demand an immediate retraction!
Smoothie
March 28th, 2011
11:17 am
Burmy’s gonna be a stud. He’s the closest thing we’ll have to Capt Serious. Kid is all about hockey and winning in the NHL. Loved how he trashed the KHL this spring after he was drafted (a league for old men). Alex will eventually be our top C, I honestly believe that. And I don’t think it’ll take as long as Zach’s development. Assuming he can add the requisite 10-15 lbs to get up to and stay at 195-200, he should blossom by his 3rd year barring an injury-free run.
Zombie – Amen brother, Little has been relentless and he has worked his butt off all year. He doesn’t seem to let adversity get in the way as much as he did last year. The idea of he and Burmy anchoring our two top lines for years to come is okay by me. Get some more talent and skills on the wing and we’ll be okay.
World Be Free
March 28th, 2011
11:25 am
B-O-T
Makes it even scarier that we would trade more than a 4th round pick for Zhitnik, talk about a panic move!
World Be Free
March 28th, 2011
11:26 am
Red Light – agreed on Burmie, he needs to hit the weight room.
Russian
March 28th, 2011
11:27 am
**to Smoothie**
You read my mind. I just spoke to my friends in Russia and they asked me about Burmy. I told them, that he can be moved to Second line Center for next year. Kane and Burmy can be good pair, but Dudley has to find good and expirience Winger with 20-25 goals per season for this line.
Thrashers
March 28th, 2011
11:32 am
We are not out of the playoffs dammit!!!!
Thrashers
March 28th, 2011
11:33 am
………playoff contention yet. damn
Smoothie
March 28th, 2011
11:37 am
WBF – can’t believe you’re conversing with a Bag of Turds!!
Russian – no doubt my friend, get that kid a big vat of borscht to soak in all summer long!!
Red Light
March 28th, 2011
11:45 am
Not sure beet soup will help Burmi put on weight Smoothie. Give him large doses of Pelmeni!
Rawhide
March 28th, 2011
11:50 am
This is your official 10-minute Ranallo Warning. New blog to be posted in ten minutes.
World Be Free
March 28th, 2011
12:02 pm
Just in time for lunch….
R. Stroz
April 1st, 2011
1:23 am
LAST
Rawhide
April 1st, 2011
11:23 am
R. Stroz – Nope.