My Newspaper
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The Week Ahead
Posted by:
Ben Wright on
March 3, 2008 at
10:10AM EST
Is the glass half full or is it half empty?
The Thrashers didn't win on the weekend and haven't won any of their last
seven games, but they did pick up a single point in three straight games. From a
points perspective they could have gone 1-1-1 and wound up in the same spot in
the standings,
eight points behind the Canes.
Regardless, the team can't be happy with leaving points on the table on
Saturday and Sunday, especially after playing well enough to win both games (the
first three minutes of the Pittsburgh game notwithstanding). The Thrashers had a
chance to make up some serious ground on Carolina and instead the weekend was a
wash- Carolina won their sole game and Atlanta earned two points in two shootout
losses. That's obviously not going to be good enough to get them into the
playoffs.
There's still some hope though, and this is going to be a big, big week for
the Thrashers. It starts on Wednesday night when Carolina comes to town. The
Hurricanes don't play between now and then, so if the Thrashers can win in
regulation they can close the gap between them and Carolina to six points, and
that's a manageable margin. Minnesota comes to town on Friday for the first time
in a long, long time, and they'll be playing their third game in four nights.
Who do they play Thursday night? Carolina. So be a Wild fan on Thursday. then
Saturday night the Thrashers go down to Florida where they tend to play well as
often as not.
I know this is going to sound like a stretch given that the Thrashers haven't
won in over two weeks, but hear me out. If the Thrashers win Wednesday night the
gap gets narrowed to six points. If Carolina loses to the Wild and then Atlanta
beats the Wild on Friday then the Thrashers are just four back. A win in Florida
and a Hurricanes loss to a surging Buffalo on Saturday puts the Thrashers two
back.
It might not seem realistic, but I honestly believe that the Thrashers can
make up some ground if they keep playing the way they played on Saturday and
Sunday. They came out hitting, they blocked shots, they put the puck on the net
on a regular basis and they put traffic in front of the opposing goalie. That's
a recipe for success, and if they stick to it they'll win more often than not.
If they can get some help from the Wild and Sabres this could be a huge week for
the Thrashers.
As soon as I get word on the status of the banged up players I'll let you
know, but the young guys seemed to rise to the occasion on the weekend when they
filled in for Todd White (lacerated elbow), Ken Klee (groin) and Nic Havelid
(elbow). None of the injuries seem to be too serious and hopefully everyone
recovers quickly, but I'm not opposed to a brief youth movement while they're
out. You can't go wrong giving guys that have something to prove more ice time.
(26) Comments
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Posted by: Liz on March 3, 2008 10:40AM EST
I say glass is half full :)
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Posted by: dave on March 3, 2008 10:44AM EST
Well ben, I can appreciate your encouragement for this team, but it's time to be level-headed. Even if the thrashers make the playoffs, do you really think they would be a stanley cup contender?? seriously. They need alot more depth (especially with the D) if they want any chance to contend. Ive been very bothered by the play of XLB and zhithead, taking dumb penalties, and being way out of position. Its great that the youth have impressed you, but that is because they WANT TO BE HERE, of course they are motivated to play harder.
I question the work ethic of Kovy, Kozlov, and even the goaltending. They know that they are secure in the line-up, what is there to motivate them to win, when they know they are not going to make the playoffs? nothing. and that's where i think a good coach would really help this team, as well as a SOLID captain that inspires the team with play on the ice as well as off (Holik doesnt cut it).
I could go on, and on, but thats just my .02
I hope the boys are picking out golf clubs for the summer.
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Posted by: mastiffgal on March 3, 2008 10:45AM EST
The last two games they have looked like a different team with all the shots on goal. It is nice to see.
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Posted by: J on March 3, 2008 10:53AM EST
If they miraculously do make the playoffs, obviously it'll be on one hell of a hot streak, so maybe they would have a chance.
But, I'm all for getting the best possible draft pick mode now...aka - reality. 0 regulation wins in OVER a month. It's over Ben...it's over.
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Posted by: Anonymous on March 3, 2008 10:59AM EST
Wake up this season is over and no good came from it. How c
an a GM this bad keep his job?
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Posted by: rn on March 3, 2008 11:08AM EST
Wow.. good stat J. I actually went back to verify that.. and sure enough.. Not ONE regulation win since the 2-0 shutout of the Caps on 2/2. (By the way, Hossa had one of those goals, White the other).
- How does Waddell still have the "Head Coach" job?
- Why does Zhitnik (56 PIM, 64 Games) still get the start game after game?
- How does the management let the same D on the ice when the Thrashers are 29th in +/-, it ain't working folks.
Ben - we know your job is PR for the team, but let's face it, nothing is being done to fix the problems. But hey.. there's always next year.. right?
or 2010
or 2011
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Posted by: Ben Wright on March 3, 2008 11:18AM EST
It's tough to tank when there's a draft lottery.
Waddell is still the coach because the plan since November has been to wait until the end of the season and interview candidates when there's a bigger pool to choose from. I have no problem with that plan.
No regulation wins in a month is tough to swallow, but OT and SO wins count for the same number of points as regulation wins, so it really doesn't matter unless you're giving the single point to a team you're chasing.
I'm confident that addressing needs on the blueline will be the top priority of the summer once a new coach is hired.
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Posted by: mastiffgal on March 3, 2008 11:29AM EST
Why is making up 8 pts in 15 games so unreasonable? It an uphill battle but certainly not completely out of reach. Who knows maybe yesterday's goal will get Koslov going.
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Posted by: J on March 3, 2008 11:34AM EST
Ben, a coworker just said Havelid is out for the year. I'm not ready to believe him, but have you heard anything?
I think the playoffs are unreasonable because we have to jump over AT LEAST 3 teams (Fla, Wsh, Car). This team has won 15 of 67 games in regulation. That's downright pathetic! And in the playoffs, you don't get points for losing. And you don't play 4 on 4. And you certainly don't have shootouts. Operation Believe in Tankland is underway!
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Posted by: Ben Wright on March 3, 2008 11:51AM EST
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Posted by: dave on March 3, 2008 12:01PM EST
ben- no word on white either? how long he's out?
whens little getting sent down again? DW is a bone head and im fully confident that he will mess this up and send down the thrashers best prospect, regardless of how well he has played.
Also, what are your thoughts on DW's decision making for the S/O's?
last time i checked you want pure goal scorers shooting in the shootout. not christensen, and perrin.
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Posted by: Ben Wright on March 3, 2008 12:24PM EST
I have heard nothing to make me think that Little will be sent down any time soon, if at all. No update on White (or Klee) yet. We'll know more tomorrow.
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Posted by: Greg on March 3, 2008 12:28PM EST
Ben - While reading you post I heard that music playing in my head, that they play in the last 5 minutes of the game. The one that gets me pumped up and out of my seat. My co-worker yelled at me to quit waving my scarf, shut up and sit down.
rn- Ben is the web-guy not PR. I have been impressed that when things need to be said, Ben will say them. I feel that if there truely wasn't a light at the end of the tunnel, Ben would be doing a what did we do wrong. BUT GET EXCITED, now more than ever do we need to BELIEVE IN BLUELAND!
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Posted by: Brian on March 3, 2008 12:33PM EST
Believe hard for Blueland...because the process you just named here is narrow. We're basically not only depending on us winning many consecutive games, but Carolina losing consecutively. Let's not forget Washington.
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Posted by: dave on March 3, 2008 1:07PM EST
ben- please dont take it personally, im passionate about the thrashers and this is starting to get very frustrating. Like ive said in the past, i value your "inside scoop"
no hard feelings bro
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Posted by: Paul on March 3, 2008 1:15PM EST
I am hopeful that they can make the playoff but i do not think that they have it them to. Waddell needs to get off the bench. He needs to send little and joel back down to the wolves to make there push for the Calder Cup. Waddell needs to send them down as well so Pilar can sit on the bench.
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Posted by: E- on March 3, 2008 1:24PM EST
Ben- Great points. I agree that this is a make or break week, and we certainly need some help from Buff. and Minn. I also want to say that since the trade we've seen some much better hockey and are on the right track; just not there yet. If we can just tighten up a little and notch some wins; we have a legitimate shot at the playoffs.
Dave- you certainly bring up some points that need to be addressed, but right now, we need to work out the on ice kinks, make the playoffs, and get as much post season experience we can. Next we need to make the most of our draft picks and build for '08-'09 where we should be a Stanley cup contender.... Just the ramblings of a Blueland dreamer.
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Posted by: Marcus Lostracco on March 3, 2008 1:54PM EST
CALL UP BORIS!!!!
seriously, why has this guy not gotten a single chance at the NHL level? now that we've got injuries on the blueline it's a perfect excuse to call up Valabik. Hey, maybe there will be less cheapshots now that we have a big guy that'll make jerks pay for picking on our stars....
VALABIK!
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Posted by: George on March 3, 2008 2:53PM EST
I disagree with you Paul. The Wolves players should be kept and get more experience. They can always go back and compete for the Calder Cup if the Thrashers fail to make the play-offs. I think they should be calling a few more of them up. I like everyones idea of bringing up Valabik. To be more successful I think the team should really be working on their PP and as of late their shoot-outs. I still believe and if the play-offs aren't possible I just look forward to next yr. and some new, younger blood being brought into the picture. BELIEVE PEOPLE BELIEVE!!
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Posted by: riddim on March 3, 2008 3:09PM EST
Ben and Dave both make good points but I also agree that DW needs to get off the bench. Promote Beast as interim and call up as many AHL-ers to get NHL experience. Mathematically it's possible, but let's be realistic... stick a fork in it. My only problem at the trade deadline was that we didn't sell the farm. (Zhit, Holik, Kozy to name a few) We could have at least gotten a few more picks. Don’t get me wrong, I’d love for this team to be truly amazing but they’re mired in mediocrity and that doesn’t cut it in today’s NHL. The only exciting time I’ve had at Philips this season was the All Star Game (not including concerts, of course). After last year’s nail biting season it’s been a major disappointment. As Cubs fans always say, “there’s always next year.” So here’s to the future.
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Posted by: Dmatos on March 3, 2008 3:54PM EST
I love your optimism Ben! Not sure if we can make the playoffs or not. Frankly, I'm not sure I want them to. I'd rather work on chemistry and bringing up some more guys from Chicago to see how they fit.
Right now I am a season ticket holder from the beginning and while I see some potential with Armstrong and Christensen (as well as Esposito) I just don't see a team that can complete with a healthy Penguins or Montreal or the multitude of other teams that have kept us non-winning in over a month.
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Posted by: aroha on March 3, 2008 5:19PM EST
seems like our chances of winning are greater with klee, white and havelid out. i'd like to see the team stay as it is, regardless of who has recovered and who hasn't...
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Posted by: Michael on March 3, 2008 7:32PM EST
Ben-I like your optimism...keep it up!! Oh yeah...the last time that I checked I don't think you were responsible for our draft picks and free agent signings!! It is quite obviouse to anyone with limited knowledge of this team that we have needs and weaknesses, but now is the time to get behind your team and hope we make the playoffs. We are not going to win the Cup, but it would still be nice to make the playoffs. It would do a lot fo the confidence of the young guys searching for their spot on the team even if we get beat in the first round. The glass is half full!!!
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I agree with Ben, we need to be optimistic. We have no where to go but up. We have lost 7 straight, but the last 2 have been in shootouts and one in OT which was all timing by Hunter of the Islanders. The goalies and defense have been playing harder; I have been watching or looking at the recaps. When it is a 1 goal game, it can go either way. Chara was just too much on our smaller guys. Everyone is focusing on Carolina, but forgetting about Washington. Ovechkin just had a hat trick tonight in a 10-2 win over Boston. This is the same Boston team that beat us on Saturday by 1. With Huet in goal and Fedorov in a leadership role along with their regulars like Bradley, Green, and Brashear, they looked tough!!! And we face WAshington two more times- once in ATL and once in DC. They will probably be in 10th after tonight's win. They have been a big surprise with their trades!!!
I am not discounting our trades; we have a chance, and as long as it it not over, it is not. Look at Detroit. Nobody would have guessed that they and Ottawa would have faltered the way they have lately. Same with Colorado; they get Sakic and Statsny back, but lose Smith and Svatos. Forsberg is still not ready. But with all of this, Colorado was in 10th or 11th before Sakic and Statsny were back. Now they are in 8th. Anything can happen. All it takes is some gutsy play, a little good timing, and some positive attitude and your team is back in it. I never would have guessed that Carolina and Washington would be looking so good so late in the season. Carolina has also lost a lot with Brind'Amour, trades of Stillman and Commodore, loss of Justin Williams, but they got Corvo and Eaves, and with their losses, they are finding ways to win. You have to respect that!!! Same with Washington; Kovy gets injured, and Ovechkin goes crazy and overtakes Kovy for the most goals, he then goes into a 7 game no goal slump, and then gets a hat trick tonight in a 10-2 win over a Boston team that is really hard to figure out. Thomas is one of the top 5 goalies, and Chara and Wideman are two of the best defenseman playing right now. They proved it when we lost to them. Chara looked like he was toying with our guys. For them to lose to Washington the way they did, something must have been wrong. Thomas was yanked after the 4th goal, and they wanted to do it after the 3rd but didn't. Auld had to stay in for the other 6. That must have been brutal. Anyhow, the point is that anything is possible!!!! Look at what has been happening! We need to believe in Blueland until we are mathematically eliminated!! That is all there is to it! Everyone I talk to has been saying what Dave and J have been saying; that the Thrashers suck. I even have been giving some thought to giving my tickets away, but I am going to stay behind them until there is nothing left. Slater has been picking it up, Koslov has scored yesterday, and the whole team is really going after the puck. Even Klee scored recently. About Perrin and Christensen on the shootouts, whoever said that is nuts. Perrin has been great in shootouts and getting some key goals. I agree with Ben; Christensen was picked up, I am sure, in part for his percentages on faceoffs and in shootouts. he is over 50% on both. He is good for our future. Recchi said that Christensen was misused in Pitt; not surprising. Look at how Recchi has contributed when his role was shifted. Anyhow, let's focus on the positive until there is no reason not to!!!
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Posted by: Anonymous on March 4, 2008 8:26AM EST
Ben, Aren't you forgetting Washington?????????
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Posted by: dave on March 4, 2008 10:24AM EST
steve- I am with you in the optimism, Im trying, but im looking at the big picture.. this team is in a slump, and they will continue to slump. washington is on FIRE hammering the bruins last night.
Stick a fork in it, the thrashers are done. I can respect fans (im one of them) that try to stay positive, but im being realistic. keep the young guys up, give them experience, and see where the off season takes them.
go thrashers
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