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Playoff Defeat Marks End Of The Road For Mellanby
Posted by:
Ben Wright on
April 19, 2007 at
10:27AM EST
It wasn't the ending that anyone was looking for, especially captain Scott
Mellanby. With about two minutes left to play and the Thrashers trailing by a
pair of goals Mellanby took to the ice one last time at Madison Square Garden.
The Thrashers tried, but they couldn't muster the two goals they needed, and as
the veteran captain returned to the bench with half a minute to play he began to
soak it all in. The horn sounded, the benches emptied, the teams gathered in
their respective ends, and the Thrashers huddled around their leader,
congratulating him on an incredible career and consoling him as he came up short
in his quest for a Stanley Cup. Many of the Thrashers will get another chance to
go after the most storied trophy in all of sports, but as Scott Mellanby skated
off the ice and gazed into the stands in New York it was clear that this was the
end of the road for him as an NHL player.
When the locker room doors opened the media made a beeline for the grizzled
warrior. Was this it? Was the veteran finished, or was their a possibility of
one more year?
The more he talked about it, the more obvious it became that Mellanby was
prepared to call it a career. At first he was noncommittal, saying he would take
a few days to think things through but that this was probably it. Then, when
asked by John Kincade if he had just played his last game he paused. "I think it
is... it's been a great, fun ride, but I think it's time." Nothing is certain
until retirement papers are signed, but after 1567 regular season and playoff
games in the NHL (without a day spent in the minors) Scott Mellanby has
seemingly come to the end of the road, coming up short in his 21-season quest to
hoist the Stanley Cup.
In a league of over 700 players only one roster's worth of them- a scant 23
odd players- end their season the way they want to. For the rest the end is a
disappointment, culminating in either a playoff loss or a meaningless regular
season game as they stand on the outside looking in. And there lies the irony
for the Thrashers. In past years they finished with hollow wins as they missed
the post-season, but now, after a franchise-best season, they are forced to
finish with a stinging defeat.
As reporters cleared out the locker room on Thursday night several of the
team owners and Atlanta Spirit President and CEO Bernie Mullin made the rounds,
thanking players for their contributions and reminding them that they had taken
this franchise to a new level, and that they may have gone out with a loss, but
they were still Southeast Division Champions. "It's a step" said Bobby Holik. A
step. It was a bitter pill for the team to swallow, but fans can take some small
comfort in knowing that meaningful playoff defeats can only come on the heals of
regular season success- success that the Thrashers can build upon next season
when a division championship banner is raised to the rafters in Philips Arena.
(23) Comments
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Posted by: keep the faith on April 19, 2007 10:47AM EST
Thanks for the last two years serving as our captain. You came back this year to lead our team to the first ever playoff birth, which you did. Along the way you helped us pick up a SE division championship and I know you have had a huge impact on our young guys like Kovy, Slater, etc. When the Thrashers return to the playoffs and experience success the organization as well as the fans will remember what you meant in helping our franchise grow! Good luck in your post hockey life.
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Posted by: roh on April 19, 2007 11:03AM EST
While Mell's absence from this team will truly be felt next year, I have no doubt he will continue to inspire us and make us proud to have called him a Thrasher and our Captain. He is truly an amazing guy and a great leader. I wish him all the best in everything he persues from here on out.
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Posted by: Brian Johnson on April 19, 2007 11:14AM EST
Scott, you have always been one of my favorite players because of your determination and leadership skills. I'm a diehard St. Louis Blues fan and I have missed you these past couple of seasons. I was at the game when you scored 4 PP goals against Phoenix (and I finally obtained the jersey you wore in that game!!!). You have incredible class and I wish you and your family a healthy and successful future. Hope to see you in St. Louis in the near future.
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Posted by: TNT30143 on April 19, 2007 11:28AM EST
Scott, you have been an inspiration to me the past two years. I'm 8 days older than you are, and whenever I feel tired or my back hurts, I think of what you must be going through, playing your 21st season in the league, and I realize that I don't know what aches and pains are. You've been a great Captain and leader, and I hope you have a great retirement. Maybe someday down the road you can return to Atl. as a coach. Hopefully you groomed somebody this year to take your Captain spot, but I don't think they can ever fully replace you.
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Posted by: Shannon on April 19, 2007 2:06PM EST
Scott, you have always been one of my favorite hockey players - you did an awesome job and we will really miss you, if you do not return next season! Best of luck!
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Posted by: Jason on April 19, 2007 2:22PM EST
Here's co Scott on one hell of a great NHL career. You are an inspiration to all and you are an inspiration to this city. Thank you for your hard work, your passion, your dedication, and your courage to lead this team through the bad times and the good.
I wanted nothing more than for you to walk out on top with the Cup - nothing would have been sweeter. But because of you, you have helped this town become a hockey town. You've shown what hard work and dedication are all about. You are what others strive to be. You have represented the Thrashers very well and it will be difficult, if not impossible, to put that C on someone else's jersey because, as good as they might be, they aren't another Scott Mellanby.
Here's to Scott for an incredible hockey career. I hope one day that he will return to Atlanta in some capacity, as a coach or part of the front office. I hope that Atlanta Spirit will always open their doors for you.
It's hard to say goodbye, but best wishes, best luck, and have a great retirement.
From one of your biggest fans,
Jason
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Posted by: King on April 19, 2007 2:57PM EST
Stay TRUE
Now you’ll see who is a true Thrashers fan.
I am a Ranger fan and stayed a true fan even during 7 yeas of heart braking, playoffs less seasons, during witch New York looked like a retirement home for old NHL stars to come over and just collect paychecks.
Don’t get discouraged. Thrashers had a good season and will be back stronger, and with this experience (just like Rangers in last year play offs) will do much better.
Take care and STAY TRUE TO YOUR BLUE.
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Posted by: Tony on April 19, 2007 4:23PM EST
Scott,
Thanks for all you have meant to the Thrashers and to the fans. You are truly a class act.
If you really do hang the skates up, please stick around. The Thrashers organization needs people like you and I, for one, will always appreciate what you brought to the team and the game.
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Posted by: Kitster on April 19, 2007 4:26PM EST
AT LAST! Intellegent comments from a NYR fan.
Thanks for your comments King. I think most
Thrasher fans, while deeply disappointed, will
read your post and understand that this is one
step down the right path. The highest highs are
yet to come.
While I am at it - thanks to BEN for doing a great
job with the blog this entire season and especially
the the playoffs. This has been a great season and
the website really stepped up this season as well!
Kit
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Posted by: Blueland11 on April 19, 2007 4:53PM EST
Thanks Mells for a great season
Believe in Blueland
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Posted by: Shannon on April 19, 2007 6:39PM EST
Steve, you must be a Rangers fan. There is no excuse for your comment.
Thank you Scott Mellanby for not only what you did on the ice, but also what you did off of the ice. Your courage and determination in carrying on the cause of Autism Awareness is so appreciated. As a fan and a mother of an autistic child, I salute you and wish you the best in the future. Perhaps some kind of a coaching job in Atlanta???!!!!
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Posted by: Jen on April 19, 2007 7:20PM EST
Hey Steve Morgan...this is so not the place for comments like that. I'm glad I don't know you because you are obviously a miserable human being.
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Posted by: Kelli on April 19, 2007 7:59PM EST
Thanks Mellanby for being our captain for two years. You gave the guys incredable speches to get them going when they were in the slump, you never gave up, you were the best captain in the NHL no doubt about it. But i better be seeing you at the games rooting the Thrashers on! Haha. But thanks again Mellanby for everything you have done, you have made in impact on everyone and you tought me things too, what you have done on and off the ice future players and players now will be wishing they were like you. Thank you for all of these wonderful years and your deterination to never give up. You are the real deffination of a Hockey Player.
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Posted by: jasen on April 19, 2007 8:20PM EST
Thanks Mellanby, yu've been a great captain on and off the ice. I hope you have a great time in your post hockey life. You'll definitely be missed. thanks for all the success. have a great time.
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Posted by: William on April 20, 2007 12:04PM EST
Scott,
I know you have probably already made this decision, but I want to ask you to play one more game. You've led the boys to a Divisional Championship, something no other Expansion Team captain has done yet. I know it's not the Stanley Cup, but this Fan would love to see you help raise that Banner as a current Thrasher, and not as a Special Guest.
William, in Augusta, GA
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Posted by: George on April 20, 2007 1:30PM EST
Captain,
I have had the pleasure of speaking with you on a few occasions, and I have been watching you for many years. I told you at the last Casino Night that it was a great honor to have you as the Thrashers Captain. It is. I hate the way things ended for the team this year, but I know that in true Mellanby style, you will tell the team what a great season it was, and that there will be next year to grow even more.
From your days as a Flyer, until now, you are a great example of hard work and dedication. This team, these players, and all of the fans owe you their appreciation and a heart felt
" Thank You, Captain! "
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Posted by: Marc on April 20, 2007 6:24PM EST
Mel: Thanks for the memories, leadership, determination, and for what you've given to "the game." You've been a true inspiration to this league and all the teams of which you have been a part. Success will assuredly follow you in the years to come!
Marc
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Posted by: Jennifer Miller on April 20, 2007 8:24PM EST
Scott Mellanby-- You have been a fantastic captain, I really hope you stick around for one more season, but if not I will continue to wear my Mellanby Jersey Proud... I became a major hockey fan durning " The Year of the Rat" when I lived in florida You and the panthers gave one amazing year no hockey fan could ever forget. After moving to Georgia 8 years ago and being here from the begining of the thrashers we were elated when you became Captain. My dad use to make your sandwhiches at pasquales in coral springs and you were always talkative with him and remained a true captain and role model in or out of uniform. Thanks for your dedication - in my book you are one of the greatest!
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Posted by: Michael on April 20, 2007 10:54PM EST
Mellanby had a great career. Let's be real. He lacked speed as well as Holik and DeVo. WE NEED SPEED. The only memory I have of Mellanby is at practice coming off the ice, only ONE fan wanted an autograph and Mellanby BLURTED OUT...I'm not doing this every time guys...as if we all wanted his blessed signature. Retire Mel, and Don't look back. The Thrashers Need speed and I'm not going to suger coat it. Now, on another side, I am a proud father of an Autistic Child as is Scott. I wish him the very best, and I mean it!!! He has done alot with Autism and I hope he continues to do so. Thanks.
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Posted by: Nate on April 22, 2007 2:52AM EST
Mell you have had a great run and your decision will not let any of us down here in ATL. you have had an amazing run ranging from the rat trick to all of the cluth goals when the thrashers were falling behind and needed that boost of inspiration your stick was always in the right spot at the right time.thats what a captain does best (never folds under pressure, always leads that way, and and is always there when the guys need them) thta's what you did best and in my opinion the "C" belongs to you and you only and you need to be there to raise the banner and bring the cup home in your last season cause evryone knows next year is our year to shine. Who here thinks it's our turn to hold the cup and watch mell skate one last time?
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Posted by: Patty S. on April 22, 2007 11:34PM EST
Scott,
I would like to thank you for a great season and for taking our team all the way to the SE Championship and then to the playoffs. Even though we didn't go on to the next round, I still thank you for a totally awesome season. You all can hold your heads up high. And most importantly you got them there. My son and I really hope you decide to stay one more year to be there for the banner raising and to bring the cup home next season. We also want to say Thanks for taking the time to sign my son's Jersey, hat and picture I took of the two of you together. It meant a great deal to him and he has the picture on his wall. You are a great person and will be greatly missed if you do decide to retire. Best wishes to you and your family and thanks again for EVERYTHING!!!!!!!
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Posted by: George on April 23, 2007 12:58PM EST
Sour Grapes, Michael?
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Posted by: steve morgan on April 23, 2007 5:23PM EST
Mellanby is a goon and plain and simple. I am not a rangers fan. The entire thrashers team are goons and this decends from the douchebag coach and sorry excuse for a captain
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