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Video: Anderson Introduced In Atlanta
Posted by:
Ben Wright on
June 25, 2008 at
10:51AM EST
In case you haven't been to the Thrashers homepage yet to see it yourself, here is the link to yesterday's press conference introducing John Anderson as the head coach of the Thrashers. Garnet Exelby was also there and took questions after the press conference.
Ex called Anderson a demanding coach who demands passion from his players but he also said he's great to play for. Ex won a Calder Cup with him in 2002 and said that he's good at creating a fun playing environment. He also has the ability to find out what makes a player tick and then use that to motivate them.
"He won't pressure a guy to the point where he can't perform," Ex told me. "He lets him play through his problems. He likes to work with them without giving them an ultimatum."
Anderson isn't afraid to tinker with systems and lineups if something isn't working and Ex called him a great motivator. He also agreed that having more than 800 games of NHL playing experience is a huge point in Anderson's favor.
"Definitely. Obviously there's much more respect for a coach that's played and who has been through the trenches and knows what it's like. He has that angle when he tries to present his philosophy and strategy. It's absolutely a key."
**UPDATE**
Here is Anderson's Fox5 in-studio interview from this morning.
(13) Comments
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Posted by: Sam on June 25, 2008 11:07AM EST
Great to hear Ex's input. Thanks, Ben.
The idealist in me likes what Anderson says. The realist is more skeptical. So at this point, I'm cautiously optimistic. But definitely looking forward to moving ahead.
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Posted by: The Other J.B. on June 25, 2008 11:31AM EST
Ben,
Was wondering if you were able to ask Coach Anderson any of the questions we submitted through the blog at the press conference...
Thanks.
~JB
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Posted by: keep the faith on June 25, 2008 11:36AM EST
I just watched the video, I liked pretty much all of Anderson's responses. I know last year was frustrating for everyone but I'm looking forward to the 08-09 season. New coach, new system, at least one new defenseman in Bogo, a new captain (most likely), and hopefully a few new UFAs.
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Posted by: JW on June 25, 2008 11:37AM EST
Cautiously optimistic as well. Not so much at Coach Anderson, he will give us everything in him. ASG is still pulling the ropes and that makes me shudder with dread...
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Posted by: ER on June 25, 2008 11:43AM EST
I completely agree. Last season was such a nightmare. I welcome JA and his enthusiasm. Although winning the Stanley Cup next year is a little out of reach, I believe the 08-09 season will be light years improved.
Cant' wait till October!!!
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Posted by: Ben Wright on June 25, 2008 12:49PM EST
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Posted by: Steve on June 26, 2008 10:02AM EST
I hope Anderson means what he says about attacking the puck that defense and offense are equally important, and that we have to possess the puck more and we have to shoot more rather than defend more. He is obviously addressing one of our bigger needs. We were outshot in so many games last season; similarly, our goalies had too many shots taken against them too, and he didn't address that as specifically, but I think that he made a reference to that.
Waddell did say that they are looking to add another defenseman, and between what we have in Chicago and free agency, they will be considering things very carefully.
I also liked the comment that Exelby is going to have to earn his spot on the Thrashers.
I just really hope that this guy matches his words with the same actions. I don't know if we will win the Stanley Cup, but I don't think getting to the 2nd round or the conference finals is too modest a want. Look at Philly; they did it.
I think who we get in free agency is going to be key. Hopefully, DW and the owners will pony up the dough; they have more money with which to work.
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Posted by: Mountainboy on June 26, 2008 11:10AM EST
Steve-
I read the Falconer's blog fairly often myself, and he has a piece up now that I must admit I had not thought of. Kovy is coming due for a big ol' raise here in a year or two, so spending big bucks on a FA this summer may not be a good idea, especially if we can only get the guy for a multi year, and a one year doesnt really make sense for a big name. Also, the Thrashers arent a team thats rolling in the money, so they may have to go somewhat easy on the pocketbooks until time to show up with the required money for Kovalchuk to decide that Atlanta is a good home for a few more years. And I have to say that Id much prefer to keep Kovalchuk around for a good while over getting a good UFA and losing both in a couple years.
But otherwise I certainly agree with you, and I do think that free agency is going to be key to next season.
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Posted by: Steve on June 26, 2008 12:58PM EST
True, mountainboy!
I didn't see the renegotiation of Kovy's contract coming early, but with Ovechkin, Lecavalier, and Crosby getting $9 mill/yr. or more, you have to wonder what Kovy wants now. We are still going to need him and a couple of more big FA's. If we get the big FA's, and they start winning, then attendance is going to go up. Remember, the salary cap is now at $56 mill. Last year, we were under the cap by about $16 mill. According to Falconer, we are under now, by about $25 mill. So, I think we can afford it.
What is the deal with Steve Rucchin? Do we still have to pay his salary this upcoming year? No one has answered my question about this. If we clear some cap space with some of these guys we don't plan on keeping, then it should not be a problem.
But, good point about Kovy's contract. I would not be surprised if he does call for a meeting and renegotiate his contract. If Ruutu didn't take out Kovy in that one game, I still say that Kovy may have had the Richard award at least, and that would definitely prove his worth. He still has, in my mind, with the # of goals he scored, and he has improved each year.
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Posted by: Steve on June 26, 2008 12:59PM EST
I meant to say he would have even proved his worth even that much more, but he even without the Richard and Hart Trophies, he was the 2nd highest scorer.
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Posted by: keep the faith on June 26, 2008 1:11PM EST
I understand the Kovy contract renewal thought process but if the team doesn't sign a few impact UFA this year and start winning then Kovy isn't going to want to re-sign even if you offer him 10+ million a year. He has stated numerous times he wants to win and win now. The Thrashers need to acquire the players it takes to win immediately and then deal with the Kovy contract situation next summer. If the team performs well this year with the new additions then hopefully you would be able to get a contract extension done with Kovy. If it is apparent that he is not going to sign then you look at trading him as an option so that the team you trade him to gets him for a full year and has that year to try to sign him. If you do it that way you get more in return than waiting until the deadline when a team knows there is a good chance he is only going to be a rental (a la Hossa situation).
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Rucchin's contract expires June 30. Kovy can't renegotiate his contract- it's not allowed under the CBA. He can sign an extension after July 1, 2009.
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Posted by: Mountainboy on June 26, 2008 6:06PM EST
I agree, he wont wanna stick around if he knows there will be no chance of a few playoff wins. But as much as I love Atlanta (its actually my favorite big city, and 2nd favorite city altogether) its not a hockey market, so hockey revenues may not be enough to spend to the cap, even for only a couple years. I do see what yall are saying as regards needing a couple/few QUALITY FAs but Im playing a little devil's advocate. The accountants cant create money, so if we cant afford them we cant sign them. BUT, my personal hope is that the Thrashers ownership has just been (perhaps overly) frugal in not spending too much, and that they have an ace or two up their sleeves for the upcoming season and maybe even 09-10.
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