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The Southeast Division leading Washington Capitals came into cold, frosty, frigid Atlanta and built a snowman. No, not outside in what remained of Thursday night's frozen precipitation that blew through here…they did so inside Philips Arena by putting up 8 on the scoreboard.
And alas…the one-game winning streak comes to a crashing end.
You know things are not going to go your way when you outshoot your opposition 18-6 in the first period but go into the intermission trailing 3-0. But that is exactly what happened to the Thrashers on this night…and it looked like it took all the fight out of this team.
During the post-game interview, Caps coach Bruce Boudreau made the point that Atlanta came out playing hard…playing much of the game in the Capitals' zone. But when his team was able to go into the break leading by the margin they were, it really just took the wind out of their sail.
That, my friends, is a very polite way to say "That team over there that my friend coaches simply quit".
John Anderson's statements were very similar. "I just think we felt sorry for ourselves. That's not good. We can't stop playing no matter what. We have to help our goalies out there for Pete's sake. We can't give them point-blank shots from all over the place".
"I didn't think I would ever say this", he went on to say, "But this team is having trouble scoring goals right now…our big guns have got to start scoring goals. We've got some guys on this team who are underachieving in the scoring category so when a guy like [Ilya Kovalchuk] doesn't score in a couple of games it makes it even more pronounced. We need some secondary scoring".
Uh…yup. But how about keeping the other team from scoring goals on the other end of the ice? I think that might help too, coach.
Making matters even worse, at least for one Thrasher, is that the one goal that was actually scored by Atlanta was originally credited to Todd White… who hasn't netted one since before Halloween. However, upon further review, a scoring change gave the goal to Maxim Afinogenov, his sixteenth of the season.
So…unfortunately…White remains on the milk carton and the streak now stands at 34 consecutive games without a goal.
I guess that also means I will probably get another frosty glare from Todd during the next pre-game warm up like I did tonight…right Zoomo?
Johan Hedberg allowed the first four goals on nine shots. Ondrej Pavelec relieved him after Mike Knuble's second goal of the game put the Caps up 4-0. Opie turned aside the first 16 shots he faced but eventually gave up 4 goals as well on 28 shots.
Where's The Accountability?
Accountability. That's a word I have used quite often of late as I've discussed the management of this organization. But what about the players…where is the accountability there?
I remember back when Bob Hartley coached this team…and if a player was "dogging it" or failing to pull his weight in the defensive end of the ice, there was a special place at the end of the bench reserved for him. Hartley used the method of giving players a "time out" to let the offending party know he was displeased with the "effort".
Why, even Ilya Kovalchuk experienced this form of discipline.
Some thought coach Bob was a "hard ass" for such disciplinary tactics. But ya know what, it was a way of holding these highly paid professional athletes, dare we say, accountable for their actions. No effort on the ice equaled no time on the ice.
These days…I just do not see any such accountability for poor play.
And Finally…
I want to give a special shout-out to two little boys that I met Saturday night in section 222. They were 5-year old twins Lincoln and Joseph and they were really fun to share a game with.
They even joined in during a "Fire Waddell" chant…much to their mother's delight.
Of course, one has to wonder if these boys will be chanting the same thing 20 years from now when they are bringing their kids to games.
January 10th, 2010
12:24 am
Even in the worst of times, I still don't believe Waddell will be fired. There's no accountability on any level.
January 10th, 2010
12:24 am
And I was first, ha!
January 10th, 2010
12:33 am
Kovy deserves a milk carton for lack of effort.
January 10th, 2010
12:46 am
I can hear Bruce Levenson now, "I've called this press conference to announce a 2-year contract extension for Don Waddell. We think this move will give the franchise some much needed stability." What??
January 10th, 2010
1:42 am
I hope, something will happend tomorrow in Casino Night.
WE need new Coach. Anderson can not do his job. WE need a new GM. Don can not his job also. WE need a new Players. WE have to change everything and start to play hockey. Atlanta is 11 spot. It is very bad.
January 10th, 2010
2:15 am
Hey Brendan, you`re calling out the right guy, but has anybody seen the ASG link to the hockey franchise? Is he in the witness protection program? Who do we send our suggestion letters to? Ted Turner`s son?, son-in-law? Mike Gearon Jr.? They`re only at Hawk`s games waiting for next Josh Smith slam-dunk, or a Joe Johnson three-pointer. Who`s looking out for the other wintertime pro franchise that plays in "their" building? It just reeks of "They Don`t Care". Thrasher fans deserve some answers. How many games do you lose like this and no changes are made? It`s like, the word was sent down. Don`t release or send down anybody! We`d still have to pay that contract and have to pay the guy who takes his place. No way they want to pay even one more player salary. Seeing this, the players have got to think there`s no way there is money in the till to pay a Kovy contract, and a few others who deserve a better one. It`s looking like the players know it and they`re play on the ice shows it. You gotta feel a little sorry for the situation John Anderson has been dealt. It`s a roster he can`t win with, and when his ship is taking on water, there is no one, I mean NO ONE who is stepping up and doing anything to fix this problem.
January 10th, 2010
2:32 am
LAC – I don't know where you were, but I was there for the entire 60 minute "capital" thrashing, cursing and swearing up a storm wishing I was somewhere else. But unlike you I reckon, I was in the company of friends, imbibing, cavorting and discussing at great length the many problems and issues that make up the Atlanta Thrashers.
But rather than drown my sorrows on a message board I decided to go to a hip little nightclub / lounge for a much needed diversion from hockey and Lugrubrious A$$ Clowns like you.
I don't know what blog you've been reading but I've been as critical of this team as I have been complimentary. I just choose to find a silver lining or look for a positive in a sea of negative when it comes to this team. But whatta ya gonna do?
All the blathering, whining and bitching on a message board by passionate "fans" like you isn't going to amount to anything at all. If you really want to make a difference, why don't you shell out the $150 it costs to buy a Casino Night tkt and deliver your heartfelt message to the players and coaches personally?
Or do you only have the guts required to make ridiculous threats of violence to fellow hockey fans and hockey officials in an internet forum such as this?
While it is tough being a Thrashers fan, I'd much rather wake up being a loser Thrashers fan than wake up being someone like you.
January 10th, 2010
2:35 am
Embarassing, simply embarassing. I stopped watching after the 5th goal. Oh yeah this is the kind of effort that's gonna make Kovy eager to sign on that dotted line huh? The give a crap meter was on life suport tonight. You said it right Bill, where is the accountability? Heads have to roll and changes must be made! If efforts like this don't get DW fired, I don't know what will.
On another note, I say the Thrashers oughta pull a Michael Nylander and bury Todd White's contract in the minors. Machacek, Crabb, somebody's gotta have more grit and fire than what 'ol Whitey's bringing to the table right now.
January 10th, 2010
2:37 am
Good morning Bill. Well, considering. Is there some legal reason why Thrashers can not be switched for Wolves? At least young whippersnappers would bust their buns every time out! Fans are certainly not getting that result or bang for their many bucks now. Sorry I misjudged Pavs earlier. Should have read four goals allowed instead of five. Must have made error when switching between Thrashers and NFL playoff contest. Watched football considerably longer! Best. ++STENDEC++ Still think new captain needed! Are one of Hanson boys available?
January 10th, 2010
2:41 am
WBF – thank u so much for reminding me of Joe "Defect" Dufek! Now I'm gonna need one more bourbon to help me stop the flashbacks from the most forgettable era in Buffalo Bills history!!
January 10th, 2010
2:51 am
During the TV timeout in the middle the 3rd Period a tired Thrasher defenseman skates over to the ref and asks, can`t we put an extra guy in our end to help clear the puck? we`ve got half a period to go, it`s 6-1, they keep scoring cheap goals, and we`re getting our butts kicked. Ref says, I can`t help ya, but one of your guys, that #17, he`s always on the other side of the blue line with his back turned toward the tired defense. He`s ready to go if you can stop the other team and get him the puck.
January 10th, 2010
4:07 am
OH MY GOD I threw up in my mouth a dozen times during that game
FIRE DON WADDELL – FIRE DON WADDELL -FIRE DON WADDELL -FIRE DON WADDELL -FIRE DON WADDELL -FIRE DON WADDELL -FIRE DON WADDELL -FIRE DON WADDELL -FIRE DON WADDELL – and whatever else it takes, I've lost A DECADE OF MY LIFE WATCHING FOR THIS TEAM TO GET COMPETITIVE
January 10th, 2010
6:34 am
what a mess! We stopped paying attention after the third goal ans started to drink beer heavily! I am at a loss, to lose is one thing but to get your rear handed to you like this is whole another mess. On a side note, went to 5 seasons prior to the game and the food and beer where excellent, highly recommend as well as flip burger! Great places both of them.
January 10th, 2010
7:15 am
Like I said before, Anderson should be fired and of course, Waddell should be fired for not firing Anderson already. This is only adding to Waddell's blunders.The players are dogging it big time. WTF. We can't even fight about getting our arses kicked last night. This whole situation is a travesty.
January 10th, 2010
7:35 am
Where to even begin?
My 11 year old son looking at me after the 6th goal was scored and begging me to leave?
My 7 year old son, who bleeds blue, asking me "Why does Don Waddell still have a job?"
My wife, known well on this blog, who shakes her head in disgust at Hedberg coming out to play the start of the 2nd period.
My thoughts? Again…where to begin…?
This is the first time I have ever started to seriously question an Anderson decsion. I'll start with the goaltending. While I think starting Moose was the right call, I have NO IDEA why he was still in after the 1st period. The ONLY explanation that I had was that Anderson has THAT LITTLE confidence in Opie. When the 4th goal was scored, he simply had no other option.
Kubina has done into the tank lately. Once again, he demonstrated to me the problem of overcommitting a vacating his position to allow a goal. BY NO MEANS was he the only culprit on the team this time.
Kovy? He looks like he is gripping his stick so tight it is going to shatter into kindling. How many pucks did he miss, misfire or just see roll off his stick? I didn't talk to a single fan list night (Thrashers or Caps, and there were a lot of the latter) who thought that the Thrashers should pay him anything north of $10M, let alone $11M. If his number is that high, honestly (and I say this as an attorney), it is time to put a drop dead offer on the table or just open the shop doors and let the callers come.
What really bites is that I thought the Thrashers really played a great 1st period too. Well, at least the tickets were free last night. Even then, I'm still thinking of sending them back into ASG and asking for a refund. I think I may have a claim for damages for pain and suffering.
January 10th, 2010
7:36 am
Is there enough people on this blog that can play hockey to challenge the Trashers? I think it could be a pretty good game. Stendec, give it all you got cause this total lack of effort deserves whatever you can dish out. It's like HSR said – I've waited a decade for this team to get competitive. I don't know what else to say but the thrashers stink, stink, stink.
January 10th, 2010
7:38 am
Rawhide- went to the game and frankly don't recall EVER seeing such a poor effort. This despite outplaying the Craps for a good portion of the first period, but it went downhill fast after giving up the shorty. Hedberg did not look sharp, particularly on the 4th goal. Pavs really had no chance on the goals that the Craps scored on him. As for me, I WAS chanting FIRE WADDELL in Section 318. Despite the pitiful play of late, I was impressed on the crowd on a cold, blustery night. There really are hockey fans in Atlanta, just give us SOMETHING worth cheering about.
January 10th, 2010
7:57 am
@ Matt,
The Craps, eh? Nice. They're a pretty good team…if you don't believe me, just ask the Thrash. Trouble in Blue Land.
January 10th, 2010
8:15 am
Just sad sad sad… I just am so disappointed at seeing the team become an expansion team Again.
The last total poor effort was in Boston 4-0. What 18 SOG and total no play. Then last night, sorry Pavelac tell your agent you are NOT NHL ready.
We have gone from feeling really good about things, to a complete disaster in a month now. I firmly believe this #17 contract circus is one BIG reason the team has tanked. You have the captain of the team
smurking how he likes it here and all that, what I consider complete BS,
and playing poorly and the others see it, maybe he is getting special treatment per don waddell, we will never know, but the accountabiliy factor is simply gone.
The coach comes out stone faced and says "We felt sorry for ourselves"
He has completely LOST the team at this point.
But where are the IDIOTS who own this team ? Where are they HIDING ?
Where is the NHL ? Where is Gary Bettman ? Why is nothing being done to
improve/save this franchise. These owners don't care one way or the other, well you know what you collection of FOOLS, then sell the team to someone who will keep the team here and get behind it and make it win.
I watched the NHL network's 40th year celebration of the Philadelphia Flyers, did like the shots at The OMNI !, one constant Ed Snider, a WINNER a single owner, it may have been awhile since the cups, but Philly is always tough and in the playoffs, look at the change they made with coaches… Now they are turning the corner and well above HAPLESS Atlanta, Washington ONE owner, Carolina ONE owner.
Lastly change… Change is good, you must make changes to improve
poor conditions… We have a VERY poor condition here, why NO changes, nothing has been done. We the FANS see it, why can the hockey brain
of Atlanta see it ? Why don't these owners give a damn ?
It has come time where everyone should stay home, watch on tv, listen on radio, but do not go. I believe the only way now is to boycott games, maybe, just maybe then losing MORE money will wake these IDIOTS up. Have you EVER seen a worse collection of misfits to own a professional franchise ?
It is a VERY VERY SAD state of affairs here and it is getting much worse, change is needed and change is GOOD, look at the other NHL teams the past few years who have made changes and LOOK at how much better they are… The status quo does not work in sports, and it is way past time for the BABY owners to do something and if they trust don waddell for a minute then they are all FOOLS !
January 10th, 2010
8:24 am
Sadtoseeitthisway, for the full Press Conference, check out this link: http://blogs.ajc.com/iceman-thrashers-blog/2010/01/07/ding-dong-the-streak-is-dead/comment-page-2/#comment-17605
January 10th, 2010
8:25 am
January 10th, 2010
8:42 am
We can fill the Library of Congress with all of the negative material on the Thrashers. . . There's a pretty good argument to give it a try.
Heck, someone on this blog could probably sneak into the locker room and get a ton of material from the players, coaches, front office staff and the owners. Well, I'm not too certain about the owners. They're pretty difficult to find these days.
No question about it the team stinks, but that's not news. Four playoff games in 11 years, come on.
That said, here's a look at the bright side:
1) Excellent ticket prices always available – was a season ticket holder – paid $90+ per seat. Now I sit in the same section – for $20. Thank you.
2) Parking is never a problem – it's inexpensive and close to the rink. Thank you.
3) Traffic isn't really too bad – unless something else is going on downtown. Thank you.
4) When Kovy is in the mood, we have the pleasure of enjoying one of the best one-way players on the planet (for how much longer is anyone's guess) Thank you.
5) The greatest hockey players visit regularly – Ovechkin, Crosby, Brodeur, Malkin, Gaborik, the list goes on. . . They are a pleasure to watch (for how much longer is anyone's guess). Thank you.
6) Hockey never runs too far into baseball season in Atlanta. OK, that was a bit too sarcastic. I really didn't mean it, sorry.
Alfredsson, Kovalev, Spezza and company on Tuesday night. . . can't wait.
January 10th, 2010
8:44 am
Stendec, remember we has a REAL QULIFIED GM running the Flames, Mr.Cliff Flecther a man who knew talent and could pull off some GREAT trades, even after they left he won the Cup with a couple GREAT trades.
He knew NHL hockey and learned under the best Sam Pollack, worked with Scotty Bowman and was, and is still today to a degree, a Great GM !
What do WE have, a Detroit used car salesman who cannot likely cannot tell a Ford from a Chevy. A man who only thinks things will improve
because he is in control, yeah of a crashing airplane… But what really really bothers me about waddell is his inability to be honest and truthful. I believe the man to be a complete LIAR and he has no clue about NHL hockey, go back to Detroit "don" for the sake of the team !
January 10th, 2010
8:58 am
I'm watching the replay of the Sabres-Avalanche game, and I see an HSBC Arena that is ENERGIZED for their team, despite trailing 3-1 going into the 3rd period. We all know, from "On the Fly," that this game ends in a lengthy shootout victory for the Aves, 4-3.
The point? Those fans there, in Buffalo, have a lot of faith in their team. They have the belief that their team will come out like gangbusters in the 3rd period. Which they do. The Sabres win the 3rd period, 2-0, to force overtime and then the shootout. But even in the loss, those Sabres fans went home very entertained! Very energized about coming back. It was an emotional rollercoaster game for them. But I'm sure every fan went home feeling GOOD about their team's chances, moving forward, for the rest of the season. And I also think they felt like they GOT THEIR MONEY'S WORTH.
Segue to the car ride home LAST NIGHT from Blueland. Ladies? Attention ladies?? Is your guy UNBERABLE on that car ride home? Did you two discuss the bleak prospect of going to future games? Did the topic of "selling off the remaining tickets of your plan" arise? Financial radio host Dave Ramsey would tell you that's a VERY GOOD STEP towards your "Total Money MakeOver." Sage of Blueland would agree.
The word, here, is accountability. As owners, you don't want your fanbase to think you have your head up your backside. If they think this, they're not very likely to buy tickets. And, as anyone in business would tell you, You don't make any money if you don't move the inventory." Ticketmaster's printer has got "dust" on it now. 'Cuz those tickets aren't getting printed.
During this Sabres intermission report, which I'm watching right now, guess what the topic is? The three commentators/analysts are discussing the "State of the Club," and if it's really ready to make the playoffs and do damage once there. They all agreed the team has goaltending down. They have Team Defense down. The Coaching is there. The roster is there. The question mark is, "toughness/physicality," moving forward. They discussed the "readiness" of the team. And all the commentators wanted the playoffs to start tomorrow. It was a fun and entertaining roundtable discussion. The panelists were Rob Ray, Mike Robitaille and Kevin Sylvester. And WHO came up with the topic for them to debate?? Anyone?? Anyone, at all?? The TOPIC came from the fans of the Buffalo Sabres, who emailed it to them at "email@example.com" Does Atlanta ever give us this kind of interaction for the Intermission show???
Some crickets chirp. There's an awkward pause. Off in the distance, a coyote howls, then some tumble weeds roll by. No, obviously not. The interaction fans of the Thrashers get from their club comes from Bruce Levenson, who tells the STH's to "Shut Up and Pay the increased ticket prices after back-to-back 76-point seasons." With no one fired. Again.
January 10th, 2010
9:07 am
Sigh. Make that "unbearable." Ya know, another thought occurs to me. Weren't the Colorado Avalanche picking AHEAD of us in the draft? Yes, yes they were, at #3. Where are the Avalanche in the standings today? Ahead or beneath the Thrashers? What did their ownership say after last season's debacle? "This simply will not do." And they cleaned house.
January 10th, 2010
9:09 am
First time I have seen a white flag go up at a hockey game.
January 10th, 2010
9:14 am
So to fill in the rest of you regarding Rawhide's comment in the blog regarding White's icy glare at our blogging homeboy; During warmups, Rawhide had his back to the glass, with the RAWHIDE on his jersey in full view of the players. As White skated by, I think he read the jersey and probably recalled the milk carton comments and gave Rawhide a look that is pretty much the look that Elin probably gave to Tiger a few weeks back. A comical moment.
The pre-game warmups in Rawhide and son's company were the highlight of the night.
The first period was shame. Thrashers certainly outplayed the Caps, but after that weak defense on the short handed 3rd goal near the end of the period, they were deflated.
Terrible night…no fun..embarrased to be a fan.
Kozlov just ticks me off some nights. He looks so disinterested and skates with no passion.
Peverly and Kane looked like the only guys that had any motor going in the 2nd and 3rd.
January 10th, 2010
9:15 am
On June 3, 2009, the Colorado Avalanche named Greg Sherman the NEW General Manager. On June 4, 2009, the Colorado Avalanche named Joe Sacco as the NEW Head Coach. On June 19, 2009, the Colorado Avalanche named Steve Konowalchuk as the NEW Assistant Coach, and Adam Deadmarsh as the NEW video/development Coach. They then re-signed Cody McLeod, LW. At the draft, they picked Matt Duchene 3rd overall.
On July 1, 2009, they made a "splash" in free agency with the acquisition of Goaltender Craig Anderson, (a great move,) and LW David Koci. On July 3, 2009, they acquired D-man Kyle Quincy, D-man Tom Preissing and a 5th round draft pick from Los Angeles for Ryan Smythe. Then they went about re-signing some of their players that they hadn't yet come to terms with.
Fascinating, isn't it?
January 10th, 2010
9:24 am
Anderson said to Derwood during play last night, that he was going to start holding guys accountable and withholding playing time.
Um, ok, so when exactly did he do that? By sending Moose out there to start the 2nd after he stunk it up in the 1st and took his club out of the game? When he sat Kovy for the rest of the game after his piss poor effort, once again? When he sat Hainsey and White for their half hearted efforts?
Accountability? None. When the players see a GM like Waddell keep his job after clearly being incompetent, why would they care? Actually, they're probably dogging it on purpose in an effort to be traded?
Want to know what Ovy said to Kovy after the game? Probably something like, cheer up, you only have 1 month left of this.
January 10th, 2010
9:45 am
The problems with the Thrashers are from the top down.
I cannot blame the coaches or players for being bad, they have been set up to fail with the poor job Don Waddell and his staff has done in assembling the team.
When your ownership sends the message they do not care about winning, by continuing to employ a management team that is on its 2nd attempt to build the team from the bottom up….and looks to be approaching attempt #3 once Kovalchuk is traded by Don Waddell for a handful of magic beans.
How as a player can you commit to playing until it hurts, when you know at the end of the day the organization does not reward hard work….but instead rewards failure and shoddy work ethics?
They say a good team plays for the name on the front of the jersey, not the name on the back of it. Our best players play for the name on the back of their jerseys, because the name of the organization on the front is not worthy of the effort.
January 10th, 2010
9:48 am
**to Bob**
"Want to know what Ovy said to Kovy after the game? Probably something like, cheer up, you only have 1 month left of this.
I bet he said it. Also he said, come and play with my team.
January 10th, 2010
10:00 am
Bill-we need 2 refrigerators for the milk cartons required for this club. My boy Chris Thorburn still works hard and drives to the net. Chris reminds of the band that kept playing on the bridge as the bow of the Titantic was sinking into the Atlantic.
Smoothie-here's another one for you, the trade of Daryl Lamonica for Tom Flores. Flores, as a Bill could barely get the ball over the line of scrimmage. Daryl, "The Mad Bomber" did exactly that in Oakland FOR YEARS. Lamonica ended up in the World Football League. Flores went back to Oakland and won a Super Bowl as a coach. If that doesn't make you wanna drink more (this morning) or make you sick, nothing will.
January 10th, 2010
10:03 am
I don't know how much longer I can do this. I am tired of being at a home game with 1/3 of the fans wearing the opposing teams jersey. I am tired of reading the next day about the 'lack of effort'. The only upside for me last night was that I left when it was 6 to 1. This board is the closes thing I have to group therapy.
I hope ownership reads this board. Not for the fire Waddell advice (although sound), or the trade advice but for the fact this board and others like it represent the CORE hockey fans in Atlanta. They are alienating us.
January 10th, 2010
10:03 am
Nice size crowd last nite to see if a win streak could be mustered albeit a challenge with the Caps.
Loud buzzer please :EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEH !!!!!!!!
Funniest line I heard last nite in my section came from a teenage group when attendees headed for the door at 6-1 :
" Where are ya'll going? You are going to miss the shootout!"
January 10th, 2010
10:05 am
As long as Donnie Brilliance cozily sits in the GM seat, ACCOUNTABILITY is a word that will never appear in the Thrash dictionary.
January 10th, 2010
10:09 am
The only leadership our beloved Captain provided last night was in the +/- column. -3 that is.
January 10th, 2010
10:09 am
Brendan-it wasn't always like that in Buffalo. Ownership failed for years, fans gave up and the team almost went under. But you're talking about a hockey town, where the game is stronger than the problems the team faced earlier in the decade. The fans in mass demanded better and got it.
In addition, the hockey coverage in Buffalo is real good, from television, to print media and the local (MSG) coverage on cable. The Thrashers don't get that kind of coverage here in Atlanta, so it's hard to maintain "heat" on management. Darcy Regier still does not do call in shows in Buffalo. He takes as much, if not more heat that Don Waddell takes in Atlanta.
January 10th, 2010
10:20 am
This club was playing well early in the season. Then the spector of Kovy's contract became more a more the lead news story. As the story grew, the fortunes of the team sank. There is a direct link between the contract, the rumors and the failures of this team.
Why doesn't anyone running this team see that? How blind, deaf and dumb can these people be?
January 10th, 2010
10:25 am
Perhaps the NHL should consider merging two struggling franchises. (This is not without precedent.) Florida, Carolina, Nashville, and Phoenix all come to mind as possible "merge partners" for our boys in blue. As with most mergers, it would be a great time to keep the best mgmt, coaches, etc. Not sure how the team's hometown would be decided though.
January 10th, 2010
10:28 am
That Vancouver-Calgary game was great last night! Nice to come home to after the debacle at Blueland. Two teams that played a hard fought game all the way. Please, please get us Dion Phaneuf. He's not "The Man" in Calgary anymore which makes him available.
Tommy Tubberville over Mike Leach? The folks at Texas Tech are smoking something. Last night's real insult is watching the Cow-Fags win. I hate the Dallas Cowbiys.
January 10th, 2010
10:56 am
Brenden, Boy did you hit the nail on the head… Same with Phoenix, they parted ways with the GREATEST players ever… not the greatest coach and they have close to 60 points I believe.
Look at us, hire a coach with a bad system and the SAME GM for years.
Look at Vancouver a few years back firing Dave Nonis, REMEMBER HIM ?
They are tied in the Northwest…
Like Brenden says, Why can WE not change ? Why can don waddell NOT be fired ? He has no record and he never does anything to help the team and this contract MESS is just that a MESS !
Why do we deserve this, a lot of loyal fans are DAMN tired of waddell, spirit CLOWNS and a constant BAD team.
We need 6 new defensemen, no exceptions get rid of all of them, it's NUTS ! First to go zach b. WORST defenseman in NHL !
January 10th, 2010
11:02 am
Anyone attending Casino Night should bring an empty milk container, put a picture of the Thrasher that he/she thinks is most deserving of having their picture on the container(such as Kovy, White, Kozlov), and hand the container to the player.
Everyone should bring an additional milk container with Don Waddell's picture and hand one to Waddell.
January 10th, 2010
11:04 am
Well, we were excited aft er the win on thursday night and went ahead and bought Casino Night tickets. BIG MISTAKE. They probably can't deal cards either.
Well, now for the good news. In the past MRSDWTOO and I have been a jinx to whoever's table we sit at. Savard, Vigier, Balnger(sp?), Perrin, Recchi, Dupuis – all gone after we sit at their table. Although it did take an extra year for Perrin to exit. We even joked about it with Pascal and he just laughed. Maybe he should be sending us part of his SC check?
So, I'm torn this year between Whitey and Kovy. Perhaps we could speed the process along for these two. Know it's a bit late, but, we're also open for suggestions. Als, we're open for bribes. If you don't want us at your favorite players table please forward some funds and we'll stay away.
January 10th, 2010
11:08 am
Anyone attending Casino Night should have their head examined for shelling out $150 or $200; although the Thrashers Foundation is the only meaningful hockey-related initiative in town, outside of this blog!
January 10th, 2010
11:11 am
I cannot see any reason to sign #17, no way do you pay the big bucks for a one dimensional player.
I cannot see any reason not to fire Anderson and Waddell.
I cannot see any reason to keep #13 on the 2nd line…only good for shoot-outs.
Team hasn't played well in over a month and the only thing consistent is the lack of wins.
I never thought I'd wish for KL to hvae another try, but we have nothing and I mean nothing to lose.
Glad I left when it was 5-1, got to the car and it was 6-1 and turned the radio off…wife asks why I didn't want to listen to the rest of the game?
A game is a competion between two teams, sadly ATL hasn't put a team on ice since Nov…everyone needs to look in the mirror. The owner's need to send a message to this town line Arthur Blank did.
Disgusted Fan
January 10th, 2010
11:12 am
Stroz – u going tonite? Unfortch, I bought tkts. I think I will try to hook up with DWTOO and help usher out Kovy into the street. I'd gladly hail him a cab to the airport at this point. Just trade him already! We've hit rock-bottom and 10 out 11 is horrible. What is worse is no regulation wins in what, 20 tries now?
Good God Almighty!
January 10th, 2010
11:14 am
So is anyone going to give Waddell a punch in the face for all of the frustrated fans out here?
January 10th, 2010
11:17 am
Smoothie – I'm not attending, which is probably a good thing, since I don't hold my tongue very well.
January 10th, 2010
11:22 am
The 24 oz. Molsons are back at Beers of the World. They were much needed last night.
January 10th, 2010
11:24 am
"This club was playing well early in the season. Then the spector of Kovy's contract became more a more the lead news story. As the story grew, the fortunes of the team sank. There is a direct link between the contract, the rumors and the failures of this team."
100% agree! I guess the GM and the coach was OK when we were winning at the begining of the year. Now it is the coach and GM who is at fault when they are not. Kovy has created his own posse and now they are collectively sinking the ship becuase he realizes the Thrashers will not be blackmailed into making him the highest paid player in the NHL. The GM needs to ship Kovy and the rest of his posse out of Dodge ASAP. If this is done and things do not change then clean house including GM and coach at the end of the year. IMHO
January 10th, 2010
11:27 am
Yeah, I went last night, awful….I left early. And guess who scored?? Todd White! Yay! Guess who played like crap??? Ilya Kovalchuk!
January 10th, 2010
11:29 am
LAC-You said Bogo is the worst D man ever, ya, um, he's been injured.
January 10th, 2010
11:33 am
Since the Monster Trucks were at the dome last night, I have a few good blog titles for the Thrasher game and current Kovy situation:
1) Capitals Impose Maximum Destruction On Thrashers
2) Kovy's Play Is A Grave Digger For The Coach.
3) Monster Mutt Doesn't Dog It As Much As Kovalchuk
January 10th, 2010
11:33 am
It's going to be downright ACKWARD at Casino Night tonight.
January 10th, 2010
11:34 am
Lee – Todd White didn't score. The goal was awarded to Afinogenov after further review.
January 10th, 2010
11:37 am
Sad! stayed till the final buzzer. Fire Anderson and get that hard ass Bob Hartley back in there.
January 10th, 2010
11:37 am
Why would it be awkward at Casino Night, the Thrashers always stink…especially this time of year.
January 10th, 2010
11:38 am
Stroz – I feel you man. I will need to avoid certain players like the plague (Kozzy, White, Hainsey, Kovy etc) because of what I might say with a few beers in me. I better avoid the brown stuff tonite! Think I'll just camp out at Marty Reasoner's table and shoot the breeze with The Party about western NY.
WBF – Darryl Lamonica was a bit before my time, but I suffered my share through the early and mid-80's. I sometimes really get a deep longing in my heart for Joe Ferguson and Robb Riddick, who was my favorite Bill until Reed, Thermal and Bruce came along. The Bills string of losses against Miami made our streak of futility against Philly look like a minor bump in the road! I'll never forget losing to the Jets in the 1980 (or was it '79) wildcard playoff game when I was 6 years old. I've never cried so much in my life. Had I been 26, I think I might have consumed an entire case of beer. After the 4th Super Bowl loss in '93, I stormed into my dorm room, ripped the Jim Kelly poster off my wall and declared that I was done with the Buffalo Bills. Well, I didn't officially ween myself off of the self-torture until after the Rob Johnson / Doug Flutie affair in '98 and '99. But then I had the great foresight and good fortune of getting suckered in by Michael Vick and his band of derelicts from Va Tech. Followed his stupid ass to Atlanta and got myself a new addiction for 5 years!! I also follow Wake Forest so that might tell you something about the degree of suffering I can tolerate. Hey, at least they have a soccer natl championship and a field hockey 3-peat!! Wooo hoooo!
January 10th, 2010
11:58 am
Smoothie-watching 4 consecutive Super Bowl losses changed my outlook on all sports teams. Take it too seriously and you will lose your mind.
I was at the Bills' game in 1980 that snapped the Bills bad misfortunes with the Dolphins. We should have beat them in '79 if Tom Dempsey hadn't missed a chip shot.
I dislike what's happening to the Thrashers, my new home team, but I can't take it too seriously. I have bills to pay at home that are not tied to the team's fortunes. Have a great Sunday watching real football teams go for the gold.
Tough watching the New Jersey Jets win last night too!
January 10th, 2010
12:07 pm
Well lee, if so he needs to be on IR. Did you see how out of position
we was last night on several occasions ? He may be young, but he has gone down hill FAST, look at the kid in LA, a LOT better.
All I am saying his play this season has been terrible, just go to the replays and watch him, a creampuff, hardly hits, out of position and
so on… tough to watch !
January 10th, 2010
12:15 pm
You know, I don't blame the team for me wasting $200 to go to the game last night and be totally infuriated at a total waste of money – I blame myself. I should know better by now.
Mediocre teams cannot put in substandard efforts or 8-1 is the result that will happen.
I'm done for the year – I will not waste any more money watching those overpaid bums stink up the Philips ice.
Too bad Ted Turner doesn't own the Thrash – he would have given everybody there a free ticket to another game like he did with the Braves back in the '70's.
January 10th, 2010
12:38 pm
I think it's time for Waddell to go and let Dudley take over. Sorry to say this but I also think it's time for Anderson to go as well. His systems are not working and the team doesn't believe in them anymore. They busted their butts in the first period and were down 3-0. That would put doubt in any players mind about the systems you are running and what you are trying to do on the ice. The whole team is just confused and clueless out there on both ends of the ice. There we so many Caps forwards wide open and driving the net with no real defensive coverage by anybody. I kinda feel bad for Kane, Antropov, and Max who are having to live through this mess of Atlanta Thrashers hockey.
January 10th, 2010
12:54 pm
Does anyone have a pen for Kovy?
January 10th, 2010
1:38 pm
This was a winnable game, we had the Caps on their heals in the first period. Really just a few defensive lapses and some questionable calls/no calls. If we play them in the playoffs, we'll win in 7.
January 10th, 2010
1:46 pm
R. Stroz- Oh, Thanks, I didn't really relize it.
LAC- I agree, he was out of position, but you can't blame just him. It was the whole team, and yes, our season has been terrible. If we don't do something fast,we'll be in Winnipeg.
January 10th, 2010
1:46 pm
stendec – Hanson brothers. You might be on to something. Maybe on a line with hockey-chick Alyssa Milano.
Man, you guys are harsh. Good thing the team absolutely 100% deserves it. I watched on TV last night and found myself chanting "Let's go, Slater!"
January 10th, 2010
2:18 pm
From the Washington Post's blog:
"I hope this humiliating (awesome) defeat (victory) further decimates the miniscule fanbase of the doomed and illogical Thrashers franchise, and pushes it that much closer to selling out to Jim Balsillie, so he can FINALLY give the good people of southern Ontario the hockey team they've needed and deserved for so long."
Nice, huh? Though not surprising. This franchise is a laughingstock. Pure and simple.
January 10th, 2010
2:24 pm
Ovechkin-a few things on last night
What a floater this guy is. We get on Kovy for being a slacker. The only difference between these 2 guys right now is that Ovie plays on a better team.
He hit Kane with an obvious high crosscheck in the 2nd period and doesn't get a penalty. 2 refs just looked at him.
Finally, during the pregame warmup, my daughter was taking pictures on Ovechkin begind the goal. The Caps' fans begind the glass told us he doesn't like people taking pictures of him. He started firing pucks against the glass where my daughter was standing. She didn't flinch-she just laughed at him for being an idiot.
January 10th, 2010
2:25 pm
In all due respect, the best post of the year was not the one complaining that Todd White has a contract and Ilya doesn't. It's this 9:45AM post from B.Thenet that gets my nomimination:
January 10th, 2010
3:04 pm
To add to B. Thenet's post-watch the Vancouver/Calgary replay on NHL Network of last night's game. These teams, to a player all played like it was a playoff game. Their teammates and fans would not have accepted anything less last night. We are not talking about an April, May or June game, we are talking about a January game. They played until they bled. In the end, it was AHL callup, Jaime Lundmark that won the game in a shootout.
That's how first class organizations, the former Atlanta Flames win hockey games and move into first place.Enter your comments here
January 10th, 2010
3:45 pm
Right WBF, I agree 100%. Lee, If he/we are still here in five years, I bet I will be correct on zach, I really don't think he will an NHL quality player, more of a journeyman player… Who will play for several teams.
January 10th, 2010
3:48 pm
Rawhide: but in this case Kovy is part of the logo/slogan, so will the tell-tale sign be when Kovy's face on "That's the Hockey Way" is replaced with…Hartley's?
January 10th, 2010
3:48 pm
Where O Where are the owners these days, in a self induced drunken haze !
January 10th, 2010
3:54 pm
Beg to differ on Bogo. 19 year-olds aren't all Bobby Orrs and it takes time to develop the NHL instincts particular with a rag-tag bunch of defensive forwards playing along with you. He can skate, he has size, he can pass some and his shot accuracy will improve with time, as will his leadership. Be patient. He ain't no Joel Kwiatkowski!
January 10th, 2010
3:59 pm
*Remember 2 years ago when Marian Hossa was pictured with Kovy and Lehtonen on the web site's main page, then one day Hossa's image went…poof…shortly before the trade deadline???*
Yes, indeed. Also, I have managed to scoop the press releases many a time by checking out the roster on the team site — for some reason the web updater guy seems to get the info and upload it sometimes faster than it hits the wire, particularly on acquisitions. So, um, fingers crossed that Dion Phaneuf shows up on the roster any minute now. Or whatever.
Last night's game was very disappointing. That's all I gotta say. Well, actually:
1. Anderson needs to sit Schubert occasionally. He was irresponsible last night and it cost us.
2. Is there some reason we can't bring Nathan Oystrick back to give us a little stability on D? Some of the D looks good. In fact, Toby usually looks great and he was the sole bright spot in last night's game. But as a whole, the group is flailing.
3. Also, for missed calls, Peverly got high sticked something wicked at the end of the 2nd — he went down and holding his face for the last few minutes. There was no call.
January 10th, 2010
4:09 pm
Nikita, I can't agree on Schubert, but I would like to see Nathan.
As a former player, I can tell you that you need your goaltender making routine stops. When your goalie is off, it impacts your entire game, especially against a superior team like Washington.
Brian Pothier did his job last night-another former Thrasher made good.
January 10th, 2010
4:10 pm
Quick post. Practice is tomorrow at 10AM. I will be there… with my skates. I would encourage all you other people who keep talking to bring yours also. It is time for the stupid players of this team to hear personally from its fan base what we think. You guys can talk all you want on here. But those that have the guts and courage to go out there and really tell them, well that is a true fan. Those are the ones that can make a difference. I hope that I am not the only one there. Someone needs to stand up to these lazy players. They get paid millions to play a sport they love. I get paid less then $20,000 a year and spend about $2.000 of that on hockey. I'm a hard working american who loves something and will sponsor it. These are lazy men who play (Show up for) a sport they love and disrespect fans like me and you. They don't give a darn about you, or me, or rawhide, or anyone else who shows up to support them. I still carry my cup around because there is a little fan (Cup Guy Jr) who loves to hold it up. He loves to get on TV and he loves hockey. If it werent for him I wouldnt keep bringing it with me. I love hockey and will always support it. Again bring your words, skates, and anything you can think of to practice tomorrow. Shows these boys what this team means to you and how they are disrespecting you.
January 10th, 2010
5:25 pm
Using "accountablility" and "Thrashers" in the same sentence is a joke. There hasn't been accountability in this organization since day one. The fish rots from the head down, and what we have in Phillips Arena is a rotting fish!!!! Haven't regretted for a second giving up my season tickets. I feel bad for the suckers who have stuck it out. The Spirit should fire themselves!!!!! Bums; all of them!!!!!!!
January 10th, 2010
5:55 pm
If you MISSED it the 1st time around, the NHL Network is airing the OVERTIME of the Gold Medal game between the USA vs. Canada RIGHT NOW!!!
January 10th, 2010
6:05 pm
Rawhide, I do indeed. That B.Thenet post, from 9:45AM, at least has to be in the hopper, spinnin' round with the others, when the winner is drawn. I'm not sure we'll get a better post all year. Though, WBF posts quite a few gems, himself!
January 10th, 2010
6:15 pm
Kovolchuk has quit the Thrashers and the Thrashers have quit playing as a result.
I never thought he'd pull a Marianne Hosa but it is apparent that is what has been going on for the past month. At the end of November when the Thrashers were hot and the talk of Vesus and NHL network, everyone was saying how it was a "done deal" with the Thrashers and their "superstar". Now, the only mentions are back to the same ol' same ol' "how terrible the Thrashers are" and the "impasse" with the one dimensional Kapitan.
Trade him. Trade him now.
January 10th, 2010
7:03 pm
While we're at it, can I get traded, too?
January 10th, 2010
7:07 pm
Here is the latest on the saga of Kovy…looks like he might be going soon.
January 10th, 2010
7:13 pm
Eric Perrin wants to be traded off of his KHL team?
January 10th, 2010
7:44 pm
My wife and I debated about going to the game last night. I decided not to go because I had just spent Thursday in Pasadena. (Roll Tide). I work 50-60 hours a week. My wife is currently in grad school in savannah and I live in Atlanta. We get to see each other only on the weekends. We were going to spend around 100-150 dollars last night for tickets,food, drinks, etc.. I AM SO HAPPY WE DECIDED AGAINST IT. Whenever a team gets beat like that, it's because of a lack of effort. I work in the medical field and if I have a lack of effort like that then people die. I'm not saying they all quit. But, it seems to me that Kovy contract is affecting the team, it really is the only thing that has changed b/w the start of the season and now. I love Kovy. I want to name my first son Kovy. I do. But, he has to step and decide that he will be the franchise leader of this team for years go to come or not. DW responsibility is to tell Kovy he has a week. If not, he's traded. It's time. The next week is when the season will be saved or lost.
January 10th, 2010
7:44 pm
Well Sisu, one blogger at TSN.ca suggested the Kostitsyn Brothers and Halak for Kovy, with the arguement that Montreal wanted Kovy BADLY on Draft Day 2001. Which is true. Montreal offered ANY 5 players off their roster for Kovalchuk, but Waddell had the good sense to say "no" to that. See, I credit Don when he gets something right. A stupider GM would have done it.
I suspect that Waddell is trying like heck to have "friendly negotiations" with Grossman. But really, through back channels, Waddell should be shopping him with his "most trusted" GM fraternity brothers. Don't kid yourselves. Aside from the new GM's on the scene, all the other GM's know Don Waddell very well. He's been at it for eleven years! And, from ALL accounts, he's WELL-LIKED by his fraternity brothers. Truth be told, they sympathize with him and his situation in Atlanta. They wouldn't swap GM chairs with Waddell if the bet were on NOT WINNING the next Mega Millions lottery draw. The other GM's wouldn't want to take a chance that the 176 million to 1 odds might come in, and force them to run the Thrashers for a living, as financed by the Atlanta Spirit, LLC.
If negotiations turn sour, I mean truly bitter, Waddell can trade Kovalchuk to places like Phoenix and Edmonton. The Oilers are somewhere near the bottom of the Western Conference, so … they might not be in BUYING mode. But Phoenix could use an infusion of Kovalchuk to energize their fanbase. The Coyotes are something like 4th or 5th in the Western Conference, if you can believe that. So, that'd be a real message of commitment towards WINNING A PLAYOFF SERIES for that franchise. And before you think I'm kidding, FOR REAL, the Coyotes/Jets franchise has won all of two (2) playoff series in their ENTIRE HISTORY, dating back to 1979-80 in the NHL. They are the L.A. Clippers of hockey. Getting Kovy would be huge for them. But what can they offer us?? Draft picks?? They need everyone they got on their roster to make the playoffs. And we're not interested in their 3rd and 4th line castaways. We've got enough of those types of players anyway. And I don't say Yandle. Yandle's one of the few young players in their system. To quit on him NOW, to "rent" Kovalchuk, is genuine stupidity. Kovy won't re-sign in the desert. I have little doubt that the Coyotes might entertain the idea of a Max Contract for Kovy, but that deal dooms both parties. The Yotes don't have the finances to meet the floor of the cap, must less the ceiling. They survive on revenue-sharing dollars. And their ownership is just as unsettled as ours is. It's an Octocluster, too! So … that's a "rental" situation. But, if the Coyotes would really put up a few 1st rounders, I think it's at least something to look at.
January 10th, 2010
8:03 pm
Tampa beat NJ tonight, moving Atlanta to third in the SE and 11th or 12th in the East I believe.
With Carolina winning, they are getting closer to us as well.
Florida should be ahead of us by next week at this time.
Gary Bettman at TB/NJ game, wonder when he will be here to try and save the long suffering hockey fans of Atlanta.
Made me ILL hearing how The Village Idiot waddell played the crowd
at this Casino thing tonight, Let's hope it's his last.
And… Those moving rumors are heating up again, Winnipeg seems to be where the Thrashers will end up.
Real simple spirit clowns, put a Winning team on the ice and fans WILL come, continue doing nothing and they will get smaller and smaller.
But then we all know how simple minded these owners are, can they tie their shoes yet ?
January 10th, 2010
8:43 pm
it is interesting to consider Kovy could actually be a rental player who might return here…that would certainly be interesting. What ever the case I am thinking it is highly unlikely he would get 11 million a season for 10 years. I could see the 11 million for 3 to 4 seasons and then the pay dropping off each year after to somewhere around 6 to 7 million at the end?
I do not believe there are many teams that can afford that price tag.
January 10th, 2010
9:35 pm
I am at a loss to even come up with a good hockey entry tonight. I am beyond words, other than the propsed trade I dreamed up after 1 bottle of wine last night.
Hopefully we will wake up tomorrow with news of my proposed trade—-
That the Chicago Black Hawks have decided to trade their entire roster for the Thrashers' roster, plus naming rights to the Chick-Fil-A Bowl (Black Hawks Bowl), 10 sacks of Krystals, Shirley Franklin (now that she's available), 10 pounds of Wallace Brothers BBQ Pork (my favorite) and some Brunswick Stew. We can through in some Sweetwater 420 to wash it all down and replace that horrible Old Style beer they drink in Chicago.
Good night
January 10th, 2010
10:40 pm
I bet Casino Night was fun…
January 10th, 2010
10:52 pm
Sisu, if this ownership would sit down with Kovy the way Ted Leonsis did with Ovechkin, this could all get worked out. Seriously.
But that's not going to happen. Don Waddell is in charge of negotiations. Ownership is thrilled with Don Waddell. Kovy can't say, "We want to negotiate with a different GM." Kovy cannot tell ownership, "Sell the team to someone local, who knows hockey, and I'll sign." These are the things that Kovalchuk cannot do. As much as he very well may like Atlanta, he wants three things that aren't happening here, (1) good ownership and (2) to win the Stanley Cup, and (3) to really get PAID with a contract that announces him as one of the PREMIER players in the league.
Well, three strikes says he's out. And I can't blame him. It's more of an indictment of the ownership and Waddell, than it is of hockey fans in this city. Or the City, itself.
January 10th, 2010
11:03 pm
Smoothie and/or J.B. – Did either of you "read any tells" tonight regarding Kovy/Kubina/Armstrong/Slater/Lehtonen/Afinogenov/Little contract negotiations?
Did anyone give Todd White an autographed picture of Rawhide holding a milk carton with Todd White's picture it?
January 10th, 2010
11:14 pm
Just returned from casino night. had a great time, just like last year. Of course it took everything I have not to bitch at waddell or anyone else i talked to.
I heard that the offer to kovy is 100M for 12 years. 8.333/yr. Don't konw where that relates to what is being asked for from Grossman. But if you could get him for that, would you take it?
I hesitantly say yes.
January 10th, 2010
11:19 pm
I will bring a white flag from now on, in case an effort like Saturday night gets repeated. And I will wave it, to show the fans and the team how we are surrendering, pitifully, weakly , swirling down the drain known as the 2009 season.
January 11th, 2010
12:33 am
Nothing much to reports save for the fact that Marty Reasoner was as personable and as charismatic as you could hope for at a function such as this. We got lots of good pictures and even gained access to the "VIP" section where Kovy, Bryan Little, JA and a few others were hiding out. We got upstairs, summoned Toby Enstrom to track down Bryan for a picture and proceeded to wait for him to finish a conversation he was having with a well-appointed gentleman who could have been Bryan's grandfather. During the entire time we were upstairs, and we did lay eyes on Slava Kozlov, we did not see hide nor hair of one Ilya Valeryvich Kovalchuk. We saw him at the brief introduction ceremony at which he seemed to be in good spirits (unlike some of the guys), but after that, he flat out vanished. We saw EVERYONE at some point in the evening and managed to get just about everyone's picture EXCEPT for anyone within the Russian contingent. Although regrettably, we were culpable for not pursuing Nik Antropov who was entertaining quite a throng of people at his BJ table in the middle of the action. All of the players we met were affable and gracious (although Toby seemed completely terrified) and had no problem smiling and chatting a bit. BTW, Schubert is a freakin' hoot. He could not have been a nicer more enjoyable person. I told him to light up his old team Tuesday night and launch a bomb that exploded in the back of the net behind Brian Elliott.
Folks, Kovy is gone. It's just a matter of time now. Waddell was a man of very few words tonite. His mind is surely quite preoccupied right now. Let's hope he ends this fiasco sooner than later.
January 11th, 2010
3:38 am
January 11th, 2010
5:51 am
Smoothie-good to hear Marty keeps up the Western New York trandition of being a good guy.
I haven't heard any news of my trade proposal.
January 11th, 2010
8:01 am
Casino Night was it's usual good time. We sat with Colby Armstrong who was is quartet of Bogosian, Peverly, and Kozlov. He's very personable and feigned disgust when we told him about the curse. Also made fun of Pevs and Bogo when one of the ladies was holding a waiter tip. Said Bogo would take off his shirt for the buck.
Did anyone notice that Kovy almost slipped, as several players almost did, on the stairs during the introductions? That would be a headline!
Kovy disappeared and the short while he was on the floor his table was mobbed and Whitey didn't appear too interested.
January 11th, 2010
8:14 am
**to Smoothie**
"Folks, Kovy is gone. It's just a matter of time now"
Why do you think so? I just try to find out any news about it. I read on 4-th period that Lambardi (GM Kings) is coming to Atlanta. I am just wondering.
**BG33Brown** said that he heard something about years and Money.
If you can share with me it will be great.
January 11th, 2010
8:16 am
Noticed Casino night photo's, Not too many people at todd whites table !
January 11th, 2010
8:22 am
Lombardi was supposedly in Atlanta on a scouting trip. Not sure how much anybody would have to scout Kovy to know what he can do in the right situation.
I hope a deal can still be done. I know Kovy has taken some hits on our blog for some time. But he is a rare talent. In the right situation, he could be a difference maker, which is what he was here earlier in the season.
Most of us were positive earlier in the season, up until the Kovy negotiation became a major distraction. The money doesn't mean as much to me as getting this over with and moving forward.
A contract is desired, but if a trade is the final outcome, then it needs to take place soon so we can move forward.
January 11th, 2010
8:26 am
I played blackjack at kovy's table for at least an hour and had a great time. I didn't talk contract negotiations with him or anyone else. He was in great spirits and seemed like he was having a great time to me. (If he dealt cards in vegas, I'd never have to work again.) I figured why bring it up when I know he doesn't want to be asked about it. I also sat with Max & Antropov who were equally forgiving with their dealing and payouts. All the players were extremely personable and I didn't see anyone appear to not be having a good time. Got lots of photos with at least a dozen players. I hope someone got video of Schubert dancing; it'd be youtube gold. Another funny thing of note… Not sure if it was the language barrier or alcohol intake but when I asked Salmela if I could get a picture, he took my camera and snapped a photo of someone else standing near him. A lovely lady in his company explained what I was asking. If you're reading this, thanks; and yes I did finally get a picture with him. Excellent Excellent Excellent evening. Always a lot of fun.
January 11th, 2010
9:04 am
Time to trade kovy and start the new 5 year plan.
January 11th, 2010
9:04 am
Thanks J.B. Now if we could just photo shop a picture of Rawhide sitting at White's table.
January 11th, 2010
9:11 am
kovy was my best good friend, and even i know that doesn't come along often, and thats all i have to say about that.
January 11th, 2010
9:23 am
Pleeeeeeesssseee FIRE WADDELL now. Thank you.
January 11th, 2010
9:24 am
Ahem, sorry about the spelling there, but it's so cold in my office that the "A" key is stuck.
January 11th, 2010
9:29 am
Thanks, Bill for making me laugh with your blog title. I was at the game and it was painful to watch. I kept looking for positives and the only thing I saw was that we were winning the SOG battle. My momma taught me right and told me if I don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. So I guess I'm done for today's blog.
January 11th, 2010
9:33 am
I find it interesting how much information DW is giving the press in regards to the negotiations with Kovalchuk. I wonder if he is trying to force a response so he can move forward one way or the other? If memory serves he was pretty tight lipped during the Hossa negotiations.
January 11th, 2010
10:19 am
Casino Night was awesome! I also noticed that nobody wanted to play at White's table. I played at Enstrom's, Kari's, Bogosian's, Thorburn's and Moose's tables. Moose is awesome! Just a great guy who seemed to be genuinely engaging. All the guys seemed like they were having a good time.
Kari said he thinks he'll be back in a couple of weeks.
Nobody was talking about the "big red elephant" in the room. (Kovy's contract status.) I did however notice that Kovy was noteably absent from the event. He worked his table early on, but disappeared earlier than most of the other players and wasn't around for the auctions as most of the rest of the players were. Take that for what you will, but I think it says a little something.
January 11th, 2010
10:34 am
J.B. – good to hear that Kovy was having fun and hamming it up at his BJ table. I assumed he would be in the VIP area, but didn't see him up there when we tracked down Bryan a couple hours in. I never would've guessed his table would be up towards the front of the venue. And since I bolted for the "grand ballroom" to hang with Marty, I did not get the chance to scout out the Russian contingent. Although my lovely g/friend, 10 Spot, did notice that Nik A was entertaining a large group when she passed by.
I spotted Max briefly but was too busy chatting with EK and his dad Perry (BTW, Mr. Kane could not have been a more pleasant man and his son is a damn fine young man as well) to get a photo-op. But later in the evening when we were just milling around "mixing and mingling", we pretty much noticed every player was participating but Kovy was the one notable exception (along with Max). But at least he had a good time for a little while. If he knows in his heart that his time is drawing to a close here in ATL, it must've been tough for him to enjoy it to the fullest.
Russian – it is simply my gut feeling telling me that Kovy is gone. A LOT of rumor mongering that I don't recall happening when Hossa was in this situation. Perhaps I wasn't following as closely, but Custance did a pretty good job keeping his finger on the pulse of that story. I just dont' see how a team that showed such promise slips into a deep malaise of futility for a month plus without Kovy's contract status not being the main reason. Obviously our goaltending has really taken a dive, but there's more than meets the eye here. Where there's smoke, there's fire.
On Lombardi – if this were to happen, I think it would be a great fit for all involved. I could see Kovy signing with LA come July after a successful "test drive" and hopefully a playoff run with the Kings. The Kings have a deep reservoir of assets and talent, but there are certain players who still haven't gotten to where Lombardi hoped (e.g. Frolov or even Dustin Brown). But Frolov is the most logical trade bait along with perhaps a prospect and a throw-in like Wayne Simmonds, whom the Kings may not be able to pay commensurately due to their salary cap pinch. I would be fine with a Kovy & Thorburn (and affordable replacement for Simmonds) swap for Frolov, Simmonds, Randy Jones (shed more salary) and a top prospect.
January 11th, 2010
10:40 am
I guess Dudley was not there last night?
January 11th, 2010
10:51 am
While Kovy was there, he was great. He did the same thing last year- dealt for about an hour and then headed up to the VIP area. I noticed Nicole never came downstairs at all. His table was in the exact same spot right up front also. I knew ahead of time that if I wanted to play cards with Ilya & get a picture with him it was going to have to happen at the very beginning of the night. I had a feeling he was going to vanish again last night but honestly I don't think it had anything to do with the contract thing… just par for the course for him. He, Max, and Nik were very entertaining in my opinion. All three found numerous and humerous ways for the players to cheat…uh, I mean do very well
January 11th, 2010
11:17 am
… you know I didn't think about it, but no, I didn't see Dudley last night at all.
January 11th, 2010
11:39 am
Hopefully Dudley is out scouting the pro games for the trades that are on the table. Let Don do the schmooze fest and let Dudley do the real work, that's the best scenario.
I would love a sign and trade with the Kings, that's how we could maximize the return on Kovy.
Speaking of whom, I am so over Kovy and his floating, good riddance. The guy can shoot a puck, whoopee. Hockey players need to play in all 3 zone, and he just doesn't do it. He can't even do the shootout, all he has is a wicked wicked one timer and wrister, that's it.
January 11th, 2010
11:43 am
Thank you Smoothie for explanation.
January 11th, 2010
12:23 pm
Smoothie, I see your points on Kovy. As for the multiple rumors, there are so many rumor sites and blogs out there today that did not exist before the salary cap. The cap has restricted trades so much that these sources have nothing to talk about. So when they get something that is slightly juicy, the work the rumor pretty hard. Safe to safe Kovy and his possibile availability is pretty juicy.
Who knows where we stand. I thought this was close being done in November, but here we are in January looking for answers. This is the longest courtship dance I have ever seen!
January 11th, 2010
12:36 pm
Not to mention Bill, they are currently in 8th in a VERY competitive Western Conf race with a certain Stanley Cup contender nipping at their heels. About a month ago, the Kings had the most points in the league! Now they are fading, not as much as the Thrashers, but they are in jeopardy of losing too much ground. Perhaps desperation will set in.
January 11th, 2010
12:56 pm
Look like Chicago is out of Kovy. I just read it on Twitter.
January 11th, 2010
1:05 pm
No matter what anyone sez, Kovy is a star with rare talents that will not be seen around here anytime soon. Like Sam Pollack, the great GM of the Montreal Canadians once said – the team that gets the best player in a trade, wins the trade. 3 or even 4 players for 1 will not help this team, especially if part of the trade is prospects and picks. A pick in the 2010 draft will not be on the ice here for years, unless he's a top 5 pick and I don't see the Kings being a lottery team this year. I don't see anything LA can offer that equals Kovy in pure talent.
January 11th, 2010
1:11 pm
World Be Free- Very true that he would have no real need to scout Kovy, but he certainly would want to scout other pieces possibly on the move in the big deal.
January 11th, 2010
1:18 pm
"We felt sorry for ourselves."
Seriously? Seriously?!?! I can remember the one time in my sports career when my team played a "feel sorry for ourselves" game. The coach took every single one of us out of the game and let our last string youngsters play. The next morning, we ran monkey-drills and suicides (Herbie's); not until we puked though, we ran until we either grew some respect for our team or until we quit the team. Not a chick among us quit, and win or lose, every chick among us played our hearts out for the rest of that season and the rest of our careers.
Now I am not saying that adopting my coach's method would fix what ails the Thrashers. However, I am saying that some type of drastic action needs to be taken to make our guys start playing like they care again. I am tired of seeing our guys' shoulders slump when the opponent gets ahead. Where is the team that fought back against insurmountable odds in the third period to win time and time again? My poor fluttering heart may not have been able to handle the last-second drama that team dished out, but I'll take that team's effort any day over the give-up-and-roll-over effort I've been seeing from our team lately.
C'mon guys…you are better than this! I don't believe that any one of our Thrashers play this game for the money…Kovy included. Right, wrong, or indifferent, I believe they play for the love of the game. Losing is not fun, and it is TOUGH to keep playing hard game after game through a losing streak. But for pete's sake, play all 60 minutes as though you love the game! I certainly won't like it, but as a fan, I can swallow the bitter draught of a losing streak if our guys are at least playing each and every second on the ice like they mean it.
Now yes, I am the wife that FIF referenced above as shaking her head when Moose skated back out onto the ice to start the 2nd period. Mind you, I have always liked Moose; he was just clearly seeing the puck in slow motion Saturday night. But I am also the wife who was optimistic enough to be whispering under her breath for Opie to have the game of his life when Moose got pulled and Opie was sent in, clearly as JA's last resort. And what did I see in response? I saw Opie get smacked with three out of four goals-agaist because our defense just flat out missed an assignment and left a Cap standing wide open in front of the net. Our goalies are just not good enough to bail out our multitude of defensive breakdowns. For all the great scoring chances I am seeing us generate, our offense is having one of those runs where they simply can't put the puck in the back of the net. That type of run can happen to everyone. But for teams to ascend to greatness, the defense has got to get after it and pick up the slack when those runs come – they have to do anything and everything necessary to shut down the opposing team's offense. I am not seeing anything close to that happen though. I remember earlier in the season where, when our goalie would give up a rebound, our defense would swarm the net and fight to kick those loose pucks out of the defensive zone. I even remember a particular occasion when Opie was flopping around on a jaw-dropping multi-save sequence, and Bogosian jumped behind him into the open section of net, dropped into a near butterfly himself, and made a couple of critical saves.
Whether by playing good hockey or just by playing determined hockey, that was a team who fought for the win in every game. I want that team back again. I'll support that team all the way to last place in the league, if that's what it takes and where they wind up. I just want to see our team fight for it again.
January 11th, 2010
1:19 pm
Can we throw in don waddell in any trade ? As well as todd white…
Now that would be PROGRESS !
January 11th, 2010
1:29 pm
FYI… Check these stats, on some Kings players.
23 R Dustin Brown 45 10 20 30 -6 14
24 L Alexander Frolov 44 11 16 27 -11 20
17 R Wayne Simmonds 41 10 14 24 15 45
3 D Jack Johnson 44 4 12 16 -16 28
Those might be of some interest here, but the +/-'s are not too good.
Would these guys be enough ?
A LA first rounder would be below 20-25 most likely.
Just an observation…
January 11th, 2010
1:36 pm
If we have to trade Kovy I would prefer we trade him to the Western conf so I don't have to watch him at Phillips too often. But if DW is looking at all options wouldn't the flyers have some goodies to move? Maybe JVR plus a few others?
January 11th, 2010
1:38 pm
WBF – you make some good points about a trade involving Kovy, but I do think some of the merits can be debated. Kovy has taken his team to the playoffs all of 1 time. And he needed Marian Hossa, an overperforming Slava Kozlov, Keith Tkachuk and Alexei Zhitnik (yes, he was important after the deadline) to do it. All 4 of those players had some sort of playoff pedigree from which to draw. Not to mention Mellon-head and deVries. But it still wasn't enough to win.
My point is when you compare Kovy to a Hossa for instance, he may be a rare talent, but he may not be in Hossa's class when it comes to having a complete game. Does Kovy have that potential? Sure does. But he is not doing the little things that are just as important as scoring goals to help this team win. I'm not so sure I'm willing to concede that this team can't continue to improve and eventually start winning in 2 years with some new players and more young, drafted talent.
Yeah, take Kovy away and we might not score 3.5 goals per game, but if you address other needs, like defense and goaltending, then a paradigm shift is possible. It's just a matter of finding the right players to win games 2 to 1 and 3 to 2 in a grind-it-out, out-hustle kind of way. In my opinion, we've got some guys who can do that. But it will necessitate that the aging vets who can't play like a Mark Recchi at the age of 38 get ushered out the door.
Problem is, we've already waited 10 years…not sure there are too many around here willing to wait another 2 – 3 years for the transformation.
January 11th, 2010
2:03 pm
Honestly…if YOU were a GM, would you take the $2.4 mil hit to the cap for what White brings?
Hmm. Bill, let me see if I can fix that line for you.
Honestly…if YOU were a GM, would you take the 2/3rds of $2.4 mil hit to the cap for buying out White?
There. Much better.
January 11th, 2010
2:05 pm
WBF, there is, simply put, no way to replace Kovalchuk. The issue, to me, is that you get NOTHING for Kovalchuk if he's permitted to waltz out the door in unrestricted Free Agency. So, any "3-4 players for one (1) Kovalchuk trade" actually makes sense, from that perspective. The counter-argument is that it's BETTER to let Kovalchuk walk for NOTHING, (instead of the 3-4 player trade,) but reclaimed cap space. I'm not in favor of that one. I'd rather that Atlanta at least get SOMETHING for him. Even if the "something" is nothing more that a slew of "throw away" draft picks.
If the trading partner is indeed L.A., you can be SURE that Alexandre Frolov will be part of the deal. And if, by some miracle, we get Jack Johnson in the return, he'll NEVER re-sign here. He might demand an offseason trade. The Kings had to jump through hoops just to get him (the 3rd overall pick from the 2003 draft) to sign a contract through his RFA years. Jack Johnson will want to hit the open market, as soon as he possibly can. Number one, for the money, and number Two, to choose his next team. I'm not saying JJ wouldn't have ever considered re-signing in L.A., but I wouldn't be all that surprised that he didn't re-sign there, once the option of where to play was exclusively his. If Jack Johnson ever agreed to re-sign in Atlanta, I'd be stunned. We'd have to overpay him by a lot. To the point where it becomes counter-productive for the team. If JJ is part of the trade with Atlanta, I'd hope that we try to package Ron Hainsey in that deal with the Kings. I want Kubina's trade to be with another team. I hope we get a 2nd rounder for him. Waddell got a 2nd rounder out of Montreal for Matthieu Schneider, and he was 40! Kubina is only 32.
Although, I'm sure someone would say that Kovalchuk & Kubina to L.A. for the Kings' 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, plus Frolov and Johnson would be a good deal. Being a GM isn't easy. It requires a lot of thought and having good people around you, to help guide and shape some critical decisions. I hope Dudley is participating in some way, if trade talks are taking place.
January 11th, 2010
2:12 pm
LAC-thanks for the numbers, that group really doesn't excite me too much. I would like to come away with a no. 1 center for Kovy, but it's not in this group. Jack Johnson seems overrated.
The other part of this potential deal is that LA may be looking fotr a drawing card for the LA market, similar to egtting Gretzky. I am not comparing Kovy to Gretzky, but his precense would be a drawing card in Bling City.
January 11th, 2010
2:14 pm
Bill, and I quote:
"He could sell a ketchup popsicle to a woman in white gloves"
Does that sound like Don Waddell to you? I don't think even Tommy Callahan II could get a return on Todd White. It's a buyout and the KHL for him next year.
January 11th, 2010
2:14 pm
Rawhide, Bill, sir. I simply cannot make the following any plainer. Please bear with me…An NHL team captain (TC) is not always the most talented member of the club. A TC is not always the tallest, most muscular or highest point tabulator. A true TC virtually has to be tied to the bench so he will not join players on ice. A TC is an instigator. A TC gets on nerves of opponents from the start of a game until the final buzzer sounds. A TC is not selfish. A TC does not expect teammates to constantly feed him puck in an effort to pad personal statistics. A TC wants teammates to put puck in the net because he understands importance of being a team player. A TC knocks the Hell out of guys in different colored uniforms. A TC comes to the assistance of teammates. A TC could not skate a figure eight if his life depended. A TC takes it personally when a rival scores. A TC suffers with every defeat. A TC makes those around him play above themselves. El Kapitan Ilya "Money First, Second And Third" Kovalchuk fails every criteria a true TC must meet. What does Russian actually do well? SportSouth airs that sugary sweet fairy tale segment on overrated bum every damn day. Other that that, uh, well, eh, he is the best blasted figure eight skater in NHL. I also like the way he misfires on open opportunities that even mediocre players would put into the net. Captain? Captain my a$$! ++STENDEC++ Casino Night? Casino Night! CASINO NIGHT! Forgive me if I fail to give a damn about Casino Night when the club is playing worse than skaters from the Boom Boom (Geoff-Ree-On) Hockey School For The Blind. Whoop dee do!
January 11th, 2010
2:18 pm
Smoothie-I can't argue with what you have said. Simply put, you are right on.
Kinda reminds me of the Sabres when they let Satan and Zhitnik walk at the ends of their contracts. My Buffalo friends stated that the Sabres lost with both guys, so let's try and win without them. Both went to Long Island an wore out their welcome quickly.
Kovy is a rare talent. All I am saying is that we need guys that will make an impact now, not later. Dustin Brown will make an immediate impact, though I don't see much of an upside in him. The others are just OK.
One more thing on Hossa-he was actually my favorite thrashers while he was ehre. Marian Hossa is the complete package, I big guy that can score, setup and play defense. He is one of the best defensive forwards in the league, still is today. I had no issue getting him for scum Bag Heatly. I just wish we could have kept him.
January 11th, 2010
2:20 pm
"No matter what anyone sez, Kovy is a star with rare talents that will not be seen around here anytime soon. Like Sam Pollack, the great GM of the Montreal Canadians once said – the team that gets the best player in a trade, wins the trade. 3 or even 4 players for 1 will not help this team, especially if part of the trade is prospects and picks."
WBF, I agree. However, I am working from the assumption that Kovy is gone. So assuming they can't sign him, they have to trade him and the only way they get value for him is in a sign and trade. If they do have to trade him unsigned, then we're screwed. We'll get a middling NHLer and a prospect and pick thrown in. If he is signed, we could get some real return for him.
That may be why Lombardi was rumored to be here along with Kovy's agent. They may be seeing if the Kings will pay him the money and I can see Kovy and his wife wanting to be out in LA. That scenario is the best we can hope for at this point. Kovy isn't taking us to the promised land, he's not a guy you can build a club around. Hossa is the kind of guy you can build a club around, as he plays well in all 3 zones. Only way Waddell can save this now is to orchestrate a sign and trade.
January 11th, 2010
2:30 pm
I really think Boston may be the best trading partner available for three reasons: 1) the 2010 1st rounder from Toronto and 2) their glut of high-paid players and need for relief under the cap and 3) their need for additional scoring (see Satan signing). Throw in the fact Savard is hurt and Boston could get very desperate in a couple of weeks if they hit a rough patch.
Who would like this trade?
BOS gets: Kovy, Finny and our 2nd round pick in 2010
ATL gets: the prized 2010 pick from TOR (BOS retains their own), Derek Morris (pending UFA), Mike Ryder (only 1 year left), Daniel Paille (RFA) and Mark Recchi (UFA).
Not ideal but we're probably dreaming if we think we can get a Blake Wheeler or Mark Stuart in the deal. The fact that Boston probably won't be able to retain any of the guys I listed would make this work. Paille would be a nice addition to our bottom 6 as Kane will move to the Top 6 next year when Slava moves on. Ryder gives us "specialty" scoring on the PP and would be a nice complement to Pevs at LW and Little at C.
Pevs – Little – Ryder
Kaner – Antro – Army (hopefully)
Paille – Reasy – Recchi / Thorbs
Boults / Macho – White – Slater
Kubes & Hainsey
Bogo & Enstrom
Morris & Schubes
January 11th, 2010
2:41 pm
no way recchi ever plays in atl again ever. he talked a bunch of crap about how bad it sucks here after he went to TBL.
January 11th, 2010
2:53 pm
J.B. is right – Recchi didn't have much good to say after he left.
I hope, amidst all the Kovy insanity, DW is finding time to evaluate our other UFAs. In addition to Kozlov I believe Armstrong, Hedberg, Kubina, Schubert and Slates are UFA. Prob missing a few others as well…
January 11th, 2010
2:55 pm
Max is UFA too.
January 11th, 2010
2:56 pm
In my less-than-humble opinion, it's time for a new topic Bill!
We've swung at this more often than a Swedish divorcee does a PGA Tour star.
January 11th, 2010
2:57 pm
January 11th, 2010
3:01 pm
Like Recchi would have a choice…play or "quit"…that would go a long way towards getting a new contract as a 42 y/o FA. You are probably right that DWad may not be inclined to trade for Recchi, but he would be a salary shaving throw-in that we would simply waive and hope someone claims on re-entry.
January 11th, 2010
3:05 pm
Yeah, let's talk about what a great hockey team we've been over the last 20 games!! By my count, we have these great accomplishments:
A record of 5 – 12 – 3 and a point percentage of .325
A combined GAA of 3.85 along with a collective SV% of .881 (surprised really that it's THAT high)
A goal differential of -27, or -30 if you include EN goals
I'd say we're headed in the right direction!
January 11th, 2010
3:16 pm
based on what he said, i'd bet recchi would opt to retire if he did get traded here
January 11th, 2010
3:17 pm
Thanks Smoothie – I just vomitted in my mouth a little
January 11th, 2010
3:32 pm
smoothie, Recchi has already announced this is his LAST season and he will retire, so why would we want that guy for pete's sake ?
Not much to show on LA roster I'd say… Brown's numbers were a lot worse that I expected.
Were any of the WORTHLESS owners at the thing last night ?
Where are they ? Why do they continue to hide like the little WIMPS they are ? Why do they not come forth to address THE FANS ????????
Just Where are they hiding ? Bet they are all drunk by this time every day !
Also where is the NHL ? Why are they turning a blind eye this way ?
I thought Gary Bettman wanted Southern franchises to make it, can't HE or Daley see what is taking place here ? They need to step in and take over this team NOW !
January 11th, 2010
3:36 pm
if we trade with LA we better get one of those young defensemen they're so loaded with, their 1st rounder this year, their 2nd-rounder next year and Frolov.
Seriously, Kopitar on one line and #17 on the other (If I'm Lombardi, no chance I give up brown-he'd be ideal playing on the same line as#17)…. sick
No idea, if we really want to keep him at this point. The situation's clearly got the whole room upset. Personally, I blame all parties-
Kovalchuk: If you truly want to play for the same team your entire career AND be on a contender, you've got to give to get-max cap salary=your team is almost good once ever 3-4 years (see Dan Marino). Can't have both. Also, worst way to justify max cap salary is to completely ignore the defensive 3rd of the ice-just sayin'
Waddell: Jackass. Had to know that NOT having player signed by beginning of season would result in current morass. Granted, player asked for an "evaluation" period; player was approving-should've had the terms (numbers and where your line in the sand was) already worked out! How did you not prepare for this?!?!? Other people have detailed this.
Grossman: Actually, I'd probably hire this guy to represent me. However, demanding crazy term AND specifying that there be "no tail" (a la the Hossa deal for example) – does seem to be counter to what your client has long said publicly; player's desire to remain with current team "for life". This demand seems poised to halt the entire process and force a trade-great strategy if goal was to test truly UFA status in June.
Anderson: Should have begun an insulation dynamic so as to limit the spill-over cancer. If nothing else; be prepared to use Paris Island-style motivation: Do not be afraid to turn the room against a player who is, (for whatever reason-however understandable) putting himself above the team.
January 11th, 2010
4:31 pm
Great post Tony C! That pretty much sums it up! Next topic!
Over / Under on the number of games Kari plays before busting his groin in half? Five games?
January 11th, 2010
4:37 pm
Smoothie, you realize last years bane was his back, right? Groin was earlier in his career. I know it's cool and all to poke fun about something that hasn't been a problem in a couple of seasons, though, so I won't let facts get in the way of your game
January 11th, 2010
4:40 pm
has anyone considered mass emailing atlanta spirit requesting the firing of waddell. if we get a lot of people to do it, then maybe they will start to pay attention
January 11th, 2010
5:08 pm
Waddell should be registered as a WMHD, a Weapon of Maximum Hockey Destruction.
January 11th, 2010
5:37 pm
AMEN Stroz
January 11th, 2010
6:01 pm
Alan – when he's had as many injuries as he's had, does it really matter? I don't care, set the over / under on his back too? Might as well have 2 ways to win, eh?
January 11th, 2010
6:27 pm
Honestly, I really think that if Kovalchuk thought he could win a Stanley Cup here, he'd have signed by now.
January 11th, 2010
6:42 pm
My beloved ailing wife is a wonderful woman who does not know a hockey blue line from a clothesline. She does know and love UGA football! The other night she inquired why I was overly loud while watching television. I told her I had the hockey game on. What is the score? I replied it was 6-1. If it makes you so upset why do you watch? I viewed the remainder of the beatdown in silence! ++STENDEC++ The wise Mrs Stendec.
January 11th, 2010
7:29 pm
Which NHL team has the largest number of expiring contracts at the conclusion of the 2009-10 season in terms of amount of money? If you guessed the Thrashers, you are 100 percent right. Including Kovy's current contract, the approximate amount of expiring contracts is $23 million. Add to that the $8.5 million of cap space it currently has, if DW signed Kovy for $8 million a year for the next 12 years, he'd still have $23.5 million left to sign the eight others needed.
That, my friends, means that you can sign the other eight players for $2.9375 million each and still be under the cap.
ASG won't spend up to the cap you say? Well, even with a budget of $45 million, you can sign the other eight for $1.9375 million each.
Something's rotten in Donmark!
January 11th, 2010
7:56 pm
Brendan-I agree about getting something for Kovy. But if you remember a few months back, I was pushing to get a deal done before the season. Get the deal done or make the trade at the team's convenience, not sit around and let the player force their hand, which is where we are today. We could have received a solid package for Kovy at the start of the season, but everyone was stating he want to wait and see how the team did.
That's a long term commitment, looking to see how we are going to do this season? How about signing a long term deal and being a centerpiece to draw talent to build a winner? That should have been the plan presented to the star, instead of this nonchalant approach that basically leaves us over a barrel, hoping we get fair value for a star player. Nevermind how he has played over the past few weeks; Kovy is a star who will shine somewhere else.
The deal should have been completed before the season, deal being a contract or a trade for full value, not the consolation prizes we stand to get in a trade in the coming weeks.
We will have to move forward with whatever we get in this deal.
January 11th, 2010
8:03 pm
If Kovy's goal is to win the Stanley Cup, then why would Los Angeles be his long-term destination? L.A. has promising talent, but I do not see the makings of a Stanley Cup in La-La Land. The West is so strong, I just don't see them making the conference finals anytime soon.
I said it before-if you are going to play a player $10M/year (or the max) you will not have enough money left over to build and maintain a team that will challenge for the Stanley Cup. If he wants a Cup, he has to take a discount and go to a current or on the verge contender.
Cup or money-which will it be?
January 11th, 2010
8:11 pm
Stendec-all kidding aside, our wives are saints.
January 12th, 2010
9:51 am
"Going the right direction" = Sell, sell, sell!