Poll time: Can Falcons, Thrashers, Hawks all make playoffs?
Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff and quarterback Matt Ryan are celebrating -- and so is Atlanta.
Welcome to Atlanta, the center of the pro sports universe. On Nov. 29. Sorta.
This doesn’t happen very often — if ever — so I figured I better jump on it now, before lunch. If the playoffs opened today, everybody is in.
This has never happened before. Quick, stop the calendar!
Loading ... Loading ...The Falcons are tied for the best record in the NFL at 9-2. They have beaten Green Bay and Baltimore after early season losses to Pittsburgh and Philadelphia left some wondering about their ceiling. They’re a potential Super Bowl team.
The Thrashers have won five straight to improve to 12-9-3. They’re in seventh place in the NHL’s Eastern Conference, with the top eight going to
Loading ... Loading ...the postseason. It’s a remarkable showing by a young and somewhat undermanned team, which ranks last in the NHL in payroll and first in cap space.
The Hawks have won three straight and are 11-7. I know, there’s the hangover from the Boston game. But at 11-7, they’re third in the NBA’s East. (Elsewhere in Eastern Conference, the Miami Heat are 9-8, just short of the projected 17-0.)
The Braves are coming off their first postseason in five seasons and already have added Dan Uggla to the roster.
How many parades do we need to plan for?
OK, so here’s the serious question: Who do you feel good about? The Falcons obviously are best positioned for a championship. The Hawks are still having consistency issues and lack a true center. The Thrashers have been terrific but it’s easy to wonder how long they can continue to play at this level as constructed, and what the level of commitment is from ownership.
Uggla helps the Braves. But center field is still a question, as is leadoff.
Let me hear your thoughts on the four teams (we’ll throw the Braves in there, even though it’s the offseason). I’ve also put up four polls, one for each team.
Hurry, before something changes.
♦
Follow me on Twitter @JeffSchultzAJC and Facebook.com/JeffSchultzAJC
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
94 comments Add your comment
Joe Tess Fish House
November 29th, 2010
2:22 pm
I dunno. The Trahsers gave Kolvachock away so there go there chances.
The Flacons have 2 many first round busts dragging them down
The Hawks. Well I dont like basketball. 2 much squeaky noise when they paly.
Joe Tess Fish House
November 29th, 2010
2:24 pm
Fogot to mention Braves. No they do not make palyoffs. There new manager have a loosing record. Not sure why they hired him. Ted Turner must be slipping in his old age.
Jeff Schultz Fan
November 29th, 2010
3:04 pm
Falcons yes, may go to the Conference Championship game.
Hawks yes, lose in first round of playoffs
Braves, maybe but lose in first round
Thrashers, maybe
bbkorbel
November 29th, 2010
3:46 pm
To Terrell: You can’t lose the World Series unless you get to them & you can’t get to them unless you make the playoffs, which is good to us that have been life-long Braves fans & remember the terrible times of losing season after losing season.
And to Jimmy & Nancy…Get a room!
Tucker T
November 29th, 2010
3:52 pm
The Falcons have a real shot at making the superbowl. The Hawks will make the playoffs but lose in the second round. The Braves should be a wildcard favorite next season and as we have seen in baseball, once you are in you have a shot at winning the whole thing. I don’t follow hockey so I don’t have any idea about the Thrashers.
WHO DAT NATION
November 29th, 2010
3:59 pm
GO Saints!!
scottbravesfan
November 29th, 2010
4:04 pm
If the Braves had Chipper and Prado they are probably your reigning World Series champs this year. Giants were lucky to beat the Braves and then went on to win it all. I think the Braves have the best shot at winning it all and the Falcons have a really good shot as well. Thrashers and Hawks should both make the playoffs.
Tomahawk
November 29th, 2010
4:05 pm
Um… the Braves already made the playoffs.
razorneck13
November 29th, 2010
4:13 pm
What’s up with all dismisive attitudes about hockey? That’s rhetorical. Look, I know that you all think berating hockey makes you seem superior, but in reality it makes you look like the guys in the middle of the line as depicted in the many versions of “The Evolution of Man”. I can’t imagine how some of you feel about other things you know little/nothing about and I don’t want to, that’s scary.
FYI, reitterating essentially the same things that other Cro-Mags said many times before such as “Hockey? Who cares about hockey?” for purposes of levity amongst yourselves is weak derivitive crap and about as much fun as the jock-o towel snaps or fart fanning that I’m certain gives your lives purpose. Please knock it off, you look like a jerks with inferiority complexes.
That said…
LET’S GO THRASHERS!!!
razorneck13
November 29th, 2010
4:21 pm
Woops typos and such.
Poll time: Can Falcons, Thrashers, Hawks all make playoffs? | Jeff … | NBA Playoff Tickets
November 29th, 2010
4:24 pm
[...] after 82 games less than half the teams are eliminated. The Thrashers are a hockey team in …blogs.ajc.com/…/can-falcons-thrashers-and-hawks-all-make-pl… Share and [...]
Zombie Steve
November 29th, 2010
4:39 pm
Hockey is similar to football – big hits and lots of excitement – except it’s faster and they fight alot.
It’s like the NFL meets the UFC. How can you NOT get down on that?!
Thrashers actually have a decent team this year too.
Dawggie
November 29th, 2010
4:41 pm
The Hawks will make the playoffs with a losing record.
The Falcons are one of the best teams in football.
The Braves are on the right track. Health will be the key to whether they make the playoffs.
Trey
November 29th, 2010
4:55 pm
I haven’t been able to keep up with the Thrashers, but it would be nice if they could make the playoffs, but I don’t think they will. Atlanta is really not a hockey city, but it would be nice to have a Stanley Cup.
Trey
November 29th, 2010
4:56 pm
Tomahawk, he was talking for next season.
Trey
November 29th, 2010
4:57 pm
The Thrashers are nine points out of first, but I am hoping they can make the playoffs.
Najeh Davenpoop
November 29th, 2010
5:09 pm
Falcons definitely make it, and probably go at least to the NFC title game. Braves and Hawks make it, but it’s still debatable whether they advance past the first round.
Thrashers, I have no idea.
Curt
November 29th, 2010
5:30 pm
The Falcons will make the playoffs but I am still not sure they will win the division as the Saints are playing very well right now. I would give that 60/40 at this point. I am also not sure that the Falcons are the best team in the NFC due to their defense. They do not get to the quarterback enough.
The Braves should be better than they were last year and could win their division if Philly does not improve their line up. No matter what, they wll at least be the wild card team and could go all the way to at least the league championship
There are just too many good teams in the Hawks division for them to make much noise so I do not think they will make the playoffs but if they happen to sneak in, they will go out early.
the Thrashers could possibly sneak in the back door of the playoffs but I think they do not have the goalie or the consistant scoring threats to make the playoffs so my guess is they will not.
michael
November 29th, 2010
5:35 pm
I don’t get the hockey bashing. If you actually try to watch it and understand it, it makes sense its not so hard to understand that you have to bash it with a hammer cus you cant fit “square peg in round hole”. Anyway if you haven’t seen a thrashers game give it a shot we’ve got a core group of young guys and a fun exciting product developing on the ice. All teams are either doing good or at least or doing something exciting and new I say. and that’s good for atlanta and the fans.
michael
November 29th, 2010
5:40 pm
and about giving kovalchuk away why dont you see how jerseys doing with him their near last in the entire league and we have 3 players that match his current goal production and 7 that surpass it. 2 of those players we wouldn’t have if not for trading him. kovy is team cancer.
Cornbread
November 29th, 2010
5:42 pm
Me thinks ice hockey is played far too fast, with far too much skill, and far too quick of developing plays for some so-called “sports fans” in the South to comprehend. Since they lack the quick intellect needed to process the game, they dismiss it. It’s the easy thing for them to do.
BAMA dude
November 29th, 2010
5:44 pm
Falcons, yes. Hawks, they’d better. Thrashers, I don’t giveadam.
Auburn
November 29th, 2010
6:42 pm
Actually if the Falcons make the playoffs (which they will), then all Atlanta pro sports teams would have made their respective playoffs in 2010. Well except for the Thrashers. Hell, even the Dream made the playoffs this year. How sad is that Thrasher fans? Not only did your team ruin Atlanta’s perfect playoff record, but you were outdone by women?
sisu
November 29th, 2010
7:03 pm
I think all the teams have a great shot at making the post season…Falcons look good, but I think they might fall short from Super Bowl. Braves will be in the mix if they can stay healthy. Thrashers are surging, they will make the playoffs. Hawks, not sure, really do not watch Basketball…
Gray Mule
November 29th, 2010
7:36 pm
Braves – - Too early to say. Thrashers – - Looking good for the playoffs. Falcons – Playoff bound – - Defense is weak link. Hawks -
Yep. They make the playoffs. 2nd round? Maybe.
And, the Dream won the east this summer. Too bad a lot of you don’t like to watch good looking gals play an exciting sport.
Just because they are better athletes than most of us guys is no
excuse for hating on them.
Pro sports are looking good in big A!
Gray Mule
razorneck13
November 29th, 2010
7:43 pm
BAMAdude, I think what you meant to say was, “Ah don’t geeyive a day-um”. That’s ok, I like my hockey sans BAMAishness.
Katherine
November 29th, 2010
8:38 pm
Curt
November 29th, 2010
5:30 pm
The Falcons will make the playoffs but I am still not sure they will win the division as the Saints are playing very well right now. I would give that 60/40 at this point. I am also not sure that the Falcons are the best team in the NFC due to their defense. They do not get to the quarterback enough..
Well the falcons beat the saints in new orleans and are playing really well right now too….so why do you think the saints are better?
Matt Ryan
November 29th, 2010
9:39 pm
I’m going to Philips Arena to watch the Thrashers play….
Evander Kane has all the speed, finesse and guts of Roddy White going over the middle.
Dustin Byfuglien could take some of the load off of Gonzo or Ovie M.
Goalie Ondrej Pavelec has been as cool under pressure as Matty Ice.
And Coach Ramsay has made as much an impression on his team as Coach Smith on his.
The Thrashers are not the same crapola of the last 10 years. They deserve your attention Atlanta Sports Fans. Buy a $10 ticket and come see for yourself. What’s the harm?
Big Buff
November 29th, 2010
10:57 pm
Quit ripping the thrashers dad gummit! They play in Atlanta. Why do Atlantans scoff at them? They’re playing better than any other ATL team (save my Dirty Birds) and are young, exciting, and whooping tail!! I live in Wyoming and love the thrashers and am embarressed to see my fellow ATLiens diss our own! Cmon MAN!!
D Orlando Bedwetter
November 30th, 2010
9:36 am
I still wear bow ties.
iamtheratio
November 30th, 2010
10:18 am
I’m very excited to be an Atlanta sports fan right now, all teams seem to be doing extremely well, especially the Thrashers. The Thrashers are on a 5 game winning streak outscoring their opponents 19-3. Pavs was the NHL’s 1st star of the week and Big Buff was the 2nd star of the week. How many teams can say that two guys on their team made 1st and 2nd star in the same week.
Hey Atlanta, get it together and support your hockey team!
Surprise! Spurrier proves South Carolina can be player in SEC | Jeff Schultz
November 30th, 2010
11:43 am
[...] ♦ Poll time: Can Falcons, Thrashers, Hawks all make the playoffs? [...]
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
November 30th, 2010
11:54 am
So it’s looking more and more likely that the Eagles will be playing the Falcons in the championship game in the Georgia Dome.
I couldn’t have written a better script. I still remember reading all the blogs when Vick was the starter, getting blamed for every possible loss and never receiving credit for any of the wins.
I remember hearing all the knocks on his accuracy and not being a “true” pocket passer, when we all know that was code for something else.
All he did was win and never was appreciated, although he is the only Falcon qb to win playoff games on different seasons.
I saw the article “The Legend Of Matty Ice” and I was thinking……
Shouldn’t a legend win a freaking playoff game? Win a freaking division title? Make a freaking pro bowl before being crowned a legend? I mean that’s just me.
Now, we all know the history of the Eagles DOMINANCE of the Falcons. The last time the Falcons have beaten the Eagles, was when Vick was the qb.
Yeah, yeah I keep hearing about the Matty Ice home record, in fact who is the only team to beat him in the Dome? You guessed it – the Eagles.
The Eagles just this season EMBARRASSED the Falcons with the freaking backup qb.
Just imagine the uncertainty of the Falcons hosting the Eagles and not really knowing who the fan base will cheer for. Do I have to remind you of last season, when Vick as a backup received more cheers in the Dome than ole CHOKE himself – EMBARRASSING.
I hear people saying Vick screwed Atlanta, but guess what?
Just imagine getting screwed TWICE, because if the Falcons play Mike Vick and the Eagles in the Dome in the playoffs…………….
THEY ARE SCREWED!
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
November 30th, 2010
11:59 am
D Orlando Bedwetter
November 30th, 2010
9:36 am
I still wear bow ties.
———————————————–
Now that’s freaking funny
sportsfan
November 30th, 2010
12:25 pm
Hi Jeff — I know that you only recognize penissports, so this doesn’t count for you, but it is worth repeating that our Atlanta Dream did bring a Finals series here this year, and set the stage for the rush of Atlanta teams getting to the Big Game. except the Braves. They suck and always will.
Chick Fil A on a Sunday
November 30th, 2010
2:59 pm
WNBA
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Brendan
November 30th, 2010
5:08 pm
All four (4) teams make it in. The Falcons get to the NFC title game. From there?, I don’t know. They ‘could’ win it all. I can’t wait to see it. The Braves … I think … return to the playoffs, as a wildcard. Then, maybe, pull off an NLDS surprise, in a short series. The Hawks … they win in the 1st round, then lose in the next. And the Thrashers, well … they eek in … and win a couple of games, and give us a 1st playoff series to remember. I can live with that.
BobbyDawg
December 1st, 2010
7:53 am
The Falcons could win the Superbowl if they don’t stumble. The Hawks can’t avoid the playoffs with their schedule but then they have to play real teams like the Celtics — Remember? The Thrashers — No Comment!
RaJaH
December 2nd, 2010
2:08 am
I think all will see the playoffs. And why all the hate for the Dream and Thrashers? The Dream are the WNBA Eastern Conference Champs in only their THIRD year of existence and the Thrashers are looking good this year. Many may not like either sport but don’t disrespect them for bringing a much needed winning mentality to “Loserville”.
mosaic
December 2nd, 2010
9:09 am
Koval-who??
Jeez, I left Atlanta but all the talk around the NHL is about the Thrashers and Buff. Don’t know who Buff is? Go check out a game. Buff is the stuff.
Andrew G
December 2nd, 2010
4:36 pm
Falcons are a team that is exciting and I feel like it’s 1998 again. Braves just resigned Hinske, so you have to like your chances. Thrashers are as good as they have ever been (not saying much, I know) but I really love the youth and the team buying in. Hawks….I have boycotted the NBA.
Andrew G
December 2nd, 2010
4:45 pm
So I took one of my friends to his first “live”(not on TV) hockey games out in Denver on Tuesday. His response was, “wow, it is so much different than on TV. I can’t believe the finesse.” With that said, instead of bad mouthing the Thrash, go to the half empty arena and spend $15 bucks and then make your call on Hockey.
mo
December 4th, 2010
9:47 pm
mo says no
me
December 5th, 2010
2:26 am
Wow, the thrashers are dominating. I don’t know why so many people are bashing them! What other sport allows the players to fight??? (besides Boxing and MMA)