You know me, readers. I hate to take even a short break from the Ron Hainsey festivities, but it's Thrashers Season Eve. Can't help but feel like tomorrow is Christmas, or something like it. And how do I celebrate cheerful holidays like Thrash Season Eve?
Usually by watching this:
Dr. House used to be such a bright and chirpy fellow.
P.S. The Blueland Chronicle Fantasy League is in full swing. I dare you to have a look at the post-first game standings.
P.P.S Yeah, the Face Off thing last night was, well, whatever. Big Shooter high-fived Moose, and because we didn't really want to stand in line we adjourned to the Taco Mac with the proprietress of Wazzupwitchu? (code name: "Laura") and watched the Caps-Bruins game, while drinking. THAT was a good time.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Hainsey on Hockey This Morning
Ron Hainsey made up for his Wednesday absence, calling in to Hockey This Morning on NHL Home Ice at 9:05 today. He discussed last night's Montreal/Toronto game which he watched to see his USA Hockey buddy Mike Komisarek. He also talked about how great camp has been despite the injury, what a surprise it was to be told yesterday in practice that he would be wearing the A, and how good the team looks heading into Saturday's season opener.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Give Ronald the 'A'
The NHL season begins today. Actual hockey games. Actual hockey games that award teams points for the playoff-position standings. A new dawn.
The Thrashers face-off event is tonight, yessir. Your Chronicle staff will be there, though I'm not sure if we'll be seeking autographs. It'll be interesting to see who gets the A's to complement the Czar's C. I figure we'll still have Armstrong and Kozlov as A's, though I wouldn't be against giving Ronald "OMG It's Ron Hainsey" Hainsey one as well. I mean, no one that handsome should be without A.
Speaking of Hainsey, I hope the world is ready for him on Saturday. Because we all know it's not a matter of whether Ron Hainsey is ready for action; it's a matter of whether action is ready for Ron Hainsey.
Oh hey, look at this press conference with John Anderson and Don Waddell, where they talk about things, at length.
There's also a season-opening media blitz underway, the venues of which are outlined by Ben Wright over at his place.
The Thrashers face-off event is tonight, yessir. Your Chronicle staff will be there, though I'm not sure if we'll be seeking autographs. It'll be interesting to see who gets the A's to complement the Czar's C. I figure we'll still have Armstrong and Kozlov as A's, though I wouldn't be against giving Ronald "OMG It's Ron Hainsey" Hainsey one as well. I mean, no one that handsome should be without A.
Speaking of Hainsey, I hope the world is ready for him on Saturday. Because we all know it's not a matter of whether Ron Hainsey is ready for action; it's a matter of whether action is ready for Ron Hainsey.
Oh hey, look at this press conference with John Anderson and Don Waddell, where they talk about things, at length.
There's also a season-opening media blitz underway, the venues of which are outlined by Ben Wright over at his place.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Quick Bone to Pick
Ok, we know that the Thrashers get no respect from the hockey media. We're 951 miles SOUTH of Toronto, so that means we're not worthy. I get it.
I am getting a little tired of all of the predictions from hockey writers and pundits, mostly based out of Ontario, who think the Thrashers will finish 14th in the East.
TB- no goaltending, still lousy defense
NYI- no scoring, lousy defense
Senators- A team full of second line scorers with no goalie
Leafs- Burke has made them bigger, but worse
Habs- Implosion waiting to happen, no goaltending, no size
Panthers- Only change from 08-09 is swapping Leopold for JayBo
That's six teams in the Eastern Conference that I would be willing to bet large amounts of money will finish with worse records than Atlanta.
The Thrashers are more aptly put in the middle of the pack amongst the Rangers, Sabres, Devils, and Canes. Atlanta could end up at the top, bottom, or middle of that pack easily.
Thrashers- Added scoring depth, dramatically improved defense, still shaky in goal
Rangers- Very solid in net, iffy on D, improved O for the 12 games Gabby will play
Sabres- No real change from last year except health of Ryan Miller
Devils- Same roster, minus Clemmensen and Gionta, all one year closer to retirement
Canes- Fairly solid, but not great anywhere but inside the skates of Staal and Ward
The only teams in the East that are safe bets to do BETTER than Atlanta are Boston, Washington (barring a total melt-down by both goalies), Philly, and the Pens.
Boston- Great goaltending, solid scoring, tough D
Washington- Swapped an aging Federov and Vik Kozlov for Mike Knuble
Philly- Despite a big question mark in goal, they're scary
Pittsburgh- No one questions Fleury anymore, and they didn't lose much (with apologies to Scuds)
So here's an Eastern Conference prediction for you:
1) Washington- Firepower + Varlamov
2) Philadelphia- But Emery won't be starting by March
3) Boston- Still trucking along, but not quite as good without Kessel
4) New Jersey- Brodeur can pretty much do this on his own
5) Pittsburgh- Cup hangover will only hurt as much as early slump in 08
6) Carolina- A similar showing to last year, with a similar lineup
7) Atlanta- A marquee year from Pavs or Kari sets this up
8) Buffalo- A full year of Miller and 60+ games from Connoly
9) Rangers- Again, pretty much Lundqvist by himself
10) Montreal- Price can't quite get them there
11) Toronto- A lot of OTL's will move them down the draft order
12) Florida- A frustrating set back after almost making it last year
13) Ottawa- It's hard to replace Heatley if you don't get Hossa in the trade
14) Islanders- Only a little better than Tampa
15) Tampa Bay- Hmm, maybe it wasn't Barry Melrose's fault?
Feeling a little better after that rant, I'm Razor Catch Prey.
I am getting a little tired of all of the predictions from hockey writers and pundits, mostly based out of Ontario, who think the Thrashers will finish 14th in the East.
TB- no goaltending, still lousy defense
NYI- no scoring, lousy defense
Senators- A team full of second line scorers with no goalie
Leafs- Burke has made them bigger, but worse
Habs- Implosion waiting to happen, no goaltending, no size
Panthers- Only change from 08-09 is swapping Leopold for JayBo
That's six teams in the Eastern Conference that I would be willing to bet large amounts of money will finish with worse records than Atlanta.
The Thrashers are more aptly put in the middle of the pack amongst the Rangers, Sabres, Devils, and Canes. Atlanta could end up at the top, bottom, or middle of that pack easily.
Thrashers- Added scoring depth, dramatically improved defense, still shaky in goal
Rangers- Very solid in net, iffy on D, improved O for the 12 games Gabby will play
Sabres- No real change from last year except health of Ryan Miller
Devils- Same roster, minus Clemmensen and Gionta, all one year closer to retirement
Canes- Fairly solid, but not great anywhere but inside the skates of Staal and Ward
The only teams in the East that are safe bets to do BETTER than Atlanta are Boston, Washington (barring a total melt-down by both goalies), Philly, and the Pens.
Boston- Great goaltending, solid scoring, tough D
Washington- Swapped an aging Federov and Vik Kozlov for Mike Knuble
Philly- Despite a big question mark in goal, they're scary
Pittsburgh- No one questions Fleury anymore, and they didn't lose much (with apologies to Scuds)
So here's an Eastern Conference prediction for you:
1) Washington- Firepower + Varlamov
2) Philadelphia- But Emery won't be starting by March
3) Boston- Still trucking along, but not quite as good without Kessel
4) New Jersey- Brodeur can pretty much do this on his own
5) Pittsburgh- Cup hangover will only hurt as much as early slump in 08
6) Carolina- A similar showing to last year, with a similar lineup
7) Atlanta- A marquee year from Pavs or Kari sets this up
8) Buffalo- A full year of Miller and 60+ games from Connoly
9) Rangers- Again, pretty much Lundqvist by himself
10) Montreal- Price can't quite get them there
11) Toronto- A lot of OTL's will move them down the draft order
12) Florida- A frustrating set back after almost making it last year
13) Ottawa- It's hard to replace Heatley if you don't get Hossa in the trade
14) Islanders- Only a little better than Tampa
15) Tampa Bay- Hmm, maybe it wasn't Barry Melrose's fault?
Feeling a little better after that rant, I'm Razor Catch Prey.
Via Kevin Allen's Twitter...
"Rookie Evander Kane will start the season on Atlanta's 3rd line, probably with Colby Armstrong and Rich Peverley."
Interesting. So they DO expect Army back. Assuming the top six will be Kovy, Little, Antro, Kozy, White, and Fins, it sounds like Marty the Party Reasoner is either being bumped to the fourth line or the press box for the first few games.
Shooter and I discussed this possibility last night and agreed that the Party is a solid team player who will play whatever role is needed, while Army and Pevs might not react as well to fourth line minutes.
Thoughts?
Interesting. So they DO expect Army back. Assuming the top six will be Kovy, Little, Antro, Kozy, White, and Fins, it sounds like Marty the Party Reasoner is either being bumped to the fourth line or the press box for the first few games.
Shooter and I discussed this possibility last night and agreed that the Party is a solid team player who will play whatever role is needed, while Army and Pevs might not react as well to fourth line minutes.
Thoughts?
Ron Hainsey on Hockey This Morning
Ok, at this point I think we've all been stood up by Ron Hainsey. Hopefully he'll be on next Wednesday morning. If you've got XM/Sirius it's channel 204.
Confirmed via Twitter: htmbigcountry "Thrashers defenseman Ron Hainsey joins us at 9:05 am ET...he will do a weekly hit throughout the season"
Edit: While waiting on RSASGH to call in, the guys on HTM talked about John Anderson's Toronto area restaurant. Apparently the burger is "amazing."
Confirmed via Twitter: htmbigcountry "Thrashers defenseman Ron Hainsey joins us at 9:05 am ET...he will do a weekly hit throughout the season"
Edit: While waiting on RSASGH to call in, the guys on HTM talked about John Anderson's Toronto area restaurant. Apparently the burger is "amazing."
Petition to Sign Josh Gratton
I think there is a big enough consensus out there among those of us who have been paying attention during preseason. Josh Gratton would be an upgrade over certain elements on the Thrashers' fourth line. With the Norse God of Thunder as my witness, I'm not naming any names here.
As a career enforcer, Gratton obviously won't command to high of a salary so there's not a big downside to signing him and putting him in the lineup for game one Saturday. He's already proven he can put the biscuit in the basket when Jimmy Slater feeds him the puck, and he's likewise shown what he can do with his gloves off. Let's give the guy a shot.
As a career enforcer, Gratton obviously won't command to high of a salary so there's not a big downside to signing him and putting him in the lineup for game one Saturday. He's already proven he can put the biscuit in the basket when Jimmy Slater feeds him the puck, and he's likewise shown what he can do with his gloves off. Let's give the guy a shot.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
The Season Is Upon Us...
... My friends. And I, for one, am pleased to see our Moose yet again on the team. Doesn't have the best stats out there. But still can get the job done in my opinion. There is something to be said for knowing how to win games. That is all I will say on the matter. And now, for some chocolate:
FINS to the Left! FINS to the Right!
Bob McKenzie's Twitter feed: "Free agent Maxim Afinogenov has earned a spot on the Atlanta Thrashers, who are in the process of getting a contract done."
Kovy Antro Lits
Kozy White Fins
Party Pevs Army (when he's healthy)
Boults Jimmy Gratton?
UPDATE: 1 year for 800k, that is.
Kovy Antro Lits
Kozy White Fins
Party Pevs Army (when he's healthy)
Boults Jimmy Gratton?
UPDATE: 1 year for 800k, that is.
Boris Valabik Will Live With Us Forever
Kevin Allen a-Twittering:
Placed on waivers today: Vancouver's Brad Lukowich, Atlanta's Nathan Oystrick, Pittsburgh's Bayda, Phoenix's Hollweg, Washington's Bourque
That means our bottom pairing will alternate between selections from the Salmela, Popovic, and Valabik repertoires.
Placed on waivers today: Vancouver's Brad Lukowich, Atlanta's Nathan Oystrick, Pittsburgh's Bayda, Phoenix's Hollweg, Washington's Bourque
That means our bottom pairing will alternate between selections from the Salmela, Popovic, and Valabik repertoires.
Why Was Legace Let Go?
Did he demand an exorbitant amount of money? Couldn't come to an agreement on some other aspect of a contract? Was it discovered that he's secretly a death-dealing robot from the future, sent to reverse the Thrashers' triumphant next decade? Or is the coaching staff really THIS confident in a Pavelec-Moose tandem?
I suppose we'll never know.
It's no secret that we here at the Chronicle, like most Thrashers fans I think, are a bit baffled and definitely disappointed with the decision to cut Legace loose. Even more dismaying is the fact that he was never really given a proper full game try-out. Speaking for myself, I'm not as grim about Pavelec as some others--in fact I think he's been okay in the pre-season; the 5-1 rout at the hands of Tampa was everyone's miserable fault, not just Pavs'--but I was really hoping for Legace to be part of the line-up. No reason why we couldn't have simply assigned Kari to IR (as we're doing now) and rolled with a three-goalie tandem like Edmonton did last season.
"But what about when Kari gets to feeling better?" I hear you ask, saucer-eyed. You might even add, "Legace might help us in the short-term, but for our long-term interests we need to give Pavelec a shot."
Well. We have actual NHL regular season games to win in the short-term. Legace would have given us a better chance of winning early in the season and not getting bogged down in losing streak after losing streak. I'm NOT saying that's what's going to happen with Pavelec as our main man--we simply don't know what's going to happen--but I think we can be reasonably sure that Legace is a bit more dependable as a starter. And given the history of this team, it's understandable that people are worried.
Needless to say, there wouldn't be as much freaking out if it weren't for that 5-1 loss on Sunday. Maybe the problem is Sunday games; the Thrashers have never been good at those. In fact, I'VE never been good at those. Always tired and dull-feeling...and I think I infect the team with my lethargy. Yes, THAT'S the ticket! From now on I stay away from Sunday games; we'll win every one.
I suppose we'll never know.
It's no secret that we here at the Chronicle, like most Thrashers fans I think, are a bit baffled and definitely disappointed with the decision to cut Legace loose. Even more dismaying is the fact that he was never really given a proper full game try-out. Speaking for myself, I'm not as grim about Pavelec as some others--in fact I think he's been okay in the pre-season; the 5-1 rout at the hands of Tampa was everyone's miserable fault, not just Pavs'--but I was really hoping for Legace to be part of the line-up. No reason why we couldn't have simply assigned Kari to IR (as we're doing now) and rolled with a three-goalie tandem like Edmonton did last season.
"But what about when Kari gets to feeling better?" I hear you ask, saucer-eyed. You might even add, "Legace might help us in the short-term, but for our long-term interests we need to give Pavelec a shot."
Well. We have actual NHL regular season games to win in the short-term. Legace would have given us a better chance of winning early in the season and not getting bogged down in losing streak after losing streak. I'm NOT saying that's what's going to happen with Pavelec as our main man--we simply don't know what's going to happen--but I think we can be reasonably sure that Legace is a bit more dependable as a starter. And given the history of this team, it's understandable that people are worried.
Needless to say, there wouldn't be as much freaking out if it weren't for that 5-1 loss on Sunday. Maybe the problem is Sunday games; the Thrashers have never been good at those. In fact, I'VE never been good at those. Always tired and dull-feeling...and I think I infect the team with my lethargy. Yes, THAT'S the ticket! From now on I stay away from Sunday games; we'll win every one.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Legace Released, Goalie Outlook Clears Somewhat
Via Ben Wright's Twitter Feed, the Thrashers have released Manny Legace without signing him to a contract. Apparently a 5 goal shellacking was exactly what we were looking for from Ondrej the Giant and we're going to reward him for it with a spot on the big club to start the year.
Colby Armstrong on the Technology
I'm late to the party on this (but not, thankfully, late to the Party), but Colby Armstrong has gotten himself an account on the Twitter, and my God is it a thing of beauty. A sample:
Had one of my top 10 naps of my life just now. It was wrecked by my 3 dogs jumping on me. What a pack of losers
He also likes Fritti. Excellent taste.
UPDATE: Razor tells us that Johan Hedberg is the first recorded instance of a Twittering moose. Amazing, this Internet.
Had one of my top 10 naps of my life just now. It was wrecked by my 3 dogs jumping on me. What a pack of losers
He also likes Fritti. Excellent taste.
UPDATE: Razor tells us that Johan Hedberg is the first recorded instance of a Twittering moose. Amazing, this Internet.
Pre-Season Postmortem
First, just a few observations on last night's game.
Pavelec could have been better, but it's ridiculous to blame the loss on him alone. Almost everyone played terribly last night. The Kovalchuk-Antropov-Little line was invisible, Kovy himself couldn't hold onto the puck, and every shot went hella wide for some reason or another.
Not everyone played terribly though. Anssi Salmela and Rich Peverley both had a very good game, I think. I'm sure there were others, but those two gents were the ones I noticed.
I really don't know about this Boris Valabik. His greatest asset, people keep telling me, is his size. Observable reality tells us he rarely uses this size in a constructive, non-horrendous-penalty-taking manner. It's obvious he can't clear the puck or make good passes (though we're also told he secretly has a hellacious slapshot, which we never see). I'm not trying to be cruel to the big fella (why would I do that? Why, if I ever approached Boris Valabik personally and said "What ho, Boris Valabik, why do you suck so much and what is it like, sucking so much?" he'd probably give me a thorough head-bending, and he'd be right to do it) but REALLY WHY IS HE HERE?
***
And now, an analysis of the pre-season in general, and what it taught us.
Well, um, ah...
I'm not sure what signals we're supposed to be receiving from this pre-season. Are you?
I will say that I'd feel more comfortable with Legace in goal on opening night. Thoughts?
Pavelec could have been better, but it's ridiculous to blame the loss on him alone. Almost everyone played terribly last night. The Kovalchuk-Antropov-Little line was invisible, Kovy himself couldn't hold onto the puck, and every shot went hella wide for some reason or another.
Not everyone played terribly though. Anssi Salmela and Rich Peverley both had a very good game, I think. I'm sure there were others, but those two gents were the ones I noticed.
I really don't know about this Boris Valabik. His greatest asset, people keep telling me, is his size. Observable reality tells us he rarely uses this size in a constructive, non-horrendous-penalty-taking manner. It's obvious he can't clear the puck or make good passes (though we're also told he secretly has a hellacious slapshot, which we never see). I'm not trying to be cruel to the big fella (why would I do that? Why, if I ever approached Boris Valabik personally and said "What ho, Boris Valabik, why do you suck so much and what is it like, sucking so much?" he'd probably give me a thorough head-bending, and he'd be right to do it) but REALLY WHY IS HE HERE?
***
And now, an analysis of the pre-season in general, and what it taught us.
Well, um, ah...
I'm not sure what signals we're supposed to be receiving from this pre-season. Are you?
I will say that I'd feel more comfortable with Legace in goal on opening night. Thoughts?
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Dude
That game was painful.
Oh well, pre-season.
I hate Tampa.
Time for Curb Your Enthusiasm and Bored to Death.
Oh well, pre-season.
I hate Tampa.
Time for Curb Your Enthusiasm and Bored to Death.
The Next Generation Will Get It From the Start
A-Team today, minus Ron Hainsey and Colby Armstrong. Afinogenov in the top six, Pavelec in goal, Enstrom and Bogosian BFFs. The Kovalchuk-Antropov-Little line makes Vinny Lecavalier and Marty St. Louis weep.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Cuts Across the Team
In a mass cull that should surprise no one, the Thrashers have sent the following players to the Chicago Wolves: Joey Crabb (no more Crab Dance, sadly), Jason Krog, Spencer Machacek, Tim Stapleton, Paul Postma, Arturs Kulda, Grant Lewis, Mike Vernance, and Drew McIntyre.
Good news. I've been wanting this team to get leaner and meaner since I witnessed the first pre-season home game, and these fellows should make the Wolves the best team in the AHL again. Seriously: Krog, Sterling, Stapleton? Goal-scoring city right there.
All this means, I reckon, that there will be another trimming within the next few days. The remaining question marks are Evander Kane, Josh Gratton, Dan Fritsche, Boris Valabik, Anssi Salmela, Mark Popovic, Nathan Oystrick, Manny Legace, Maxim Afinogenov and apparently some other players who were on the roster last season.
The Thrashers media department should film the final cut in reality TV style and put the video on the team website.
Good news. I've been wanting this team to get leaner and meaner since I witnessed the first pre-season home game, and these fellows should make the Wolves the best team in the AHL again. Seriously: Krog, Sterling, Stapleton? Goal-scoring city right there.
All this means, I reckon, that there will be another trimming within the next few days. The remaining question marks are Evander Kane, Josh Gratton, Dan Fritsche, Boris Valabik, Anssi Salmela, Mark Popovic, Nathan Oystrick, Manny Legace, Maxim Afinogenov and apparently some other players who were on the roster last season.
The Thrashers media department should film the final cut in reality TV style and put the video on the team website.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Everyone Who Pretended to (Fill in the Blank) is Gone
The roster for tonight's pre-season game in Carolina seems to point towards a last minute try-out for certain folks. The line I'm most intrigued with is Boulton-Slater-Gratton. HMMMMM...
Let's hope our B squad wins against their semi-A squad. I think we can do it. Ben Wright and the Falconer will be live-blogging. Sadly, I'll neither be watching (I ain't in no dagnab North Carolina silly!) or listening (going to see the Walkmen tonight woooooo).
I know it's gonna be a good year.
Let's hope our B squad wins against their semi-A squad. I think we can do it. Ben Wright and the Falconer will be live-blogging. Sadly, I'll neither be watching (I ain't in no dagnab North Carolina silly!) or listening (going to see the Walkmen tonight woooooo).
I know it's gonna be a good year.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Another Defenseman
First off, Big Shooter regrets he was unable to join the fun earlier in the comments section reminiscing about last night. This thing called a job really gets in the way at times. But about last night... aaahhh, much laughter was had by all!! Pleasure meeting everyone. You know who you are. And please remember the golden rule, if you are going to dance... safety first.
So, the computer monkeys have told me that Don Waddell has jumped in the way back machine and traded for Steve McCarthy. Interesting. What to make all of this, hmmm? Heeeennnggh? Seems a bit crowded. Perhaps Waddell saw Boris play last night? That would be enough to make me trade for Stevie again.
EDIT:
Here is my source before Morty goes all bitch cakes again for me not having one. Yes folks, that's right, my source is Thrash's status update on facebook:
"Thrash: Atlanta Thrashers Acquire Defenseman Steve McCarthy From Anaheim for future consid."
Sorry, that is the best I can do. Hope it holds up in court...
So, the computer monkeys have told me that Don Waddell has jumped in the way back machine and traded for Steve McCarthy. Interesting. What to make all of this, hmmm? Heeeennnggh? Seems a bit crowded. Perhaps Waddell saw Boris play last night? That would be enough to make me trade for Stevie again.
EDIT:
Here is my source before Morty goes all bitch cakes again for me not having one. Yes folks, that's right, my source is Thrash's status update on facebook:
"Thrash: Atlanta Thrashers Acquire Defenseman Steve McCarthy From Anaheim for future consid."
Sorry, that is the best I can do. Hope it holds up in court...
Are the Ruskies Coming to Own Us?
Sorry I couldn't find a clip with English subtitles. Amazingly, YouTube doesn't have one yet. But if you ever want a rollicking good cinematic time in the company of the Russian analogue of The Godfather, rent Pavel Lungin's 2002 masterwork Tycoon. Great movie.
What's all this about? Puck Daddy's Dmitri Chesnokov is onto something, on the Twitter:
Do you think other Russian oligarchs will try to move into the US pro sport field?
They've already moved into every other Western country's pro sport field.
I believe Russian oligarch = shady.
Oh, come on now. What makes you say that?
KHL's Medvedev once said they were monitoring the Coyotes case very closely. Does this mean there is a Russian oligarch waiting to move in?
HMMMMMMM...
The team a New Russian would want to purchase? NYI. lot of Russians in the NYC area.
Good point. A while ago I toyed with the notion of getting the shadiest, most mafia-enmeshed and blood-drenched Russian oligarch we could find to purchase the Thrashers.
If Bettman hates Balsillie, I wonder how he'd deal with a Russian oligarch. Worth pondering.
Yes, it's a slow day here at the Chronicle. I would talk about Wayne Gretzky stepping down, or the Sharks signing Malhotra, but jesus dude who cares?
Dan Kamal, Always Helpful
That is, no cuts today (damn! I was hoping for some blood). Legace starts in Raleigh tomorrow, and if we can avoid Penalty Hell Afinogenov should get significantly more ice-time.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Quick Impressions, etc.
Just got back. Tired and can't be bothered with too much coherence.
- Pavelec. He's good. I can get behind him.
- Kovalchuk circling the net and then dishing the puck to Nik Antropov for a hellacious goal was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. More beautiful than Botticelli's Primavera and Rilke's Duino Elegies put together.
- How about that Josh Gratton? Chris Thorburn's old job? Hm? Hmmm?
- Pavel Kubina. I still think this guy is ultra-solid. Possibly my favorite human out there so far. He's always on the right side of a play, and he rarely makes stupid mistakes. And he's a good all-around defenseman: he can block, he can get physical, he can pass, he can shoot and score, etc. And he went appropriately batshit when some joke tripped Kovy and took an honorable roughing penalty.
- I'm sorry Boris groupies, but Valabik is a miserable defenseman. He can't pass, he can't defend, and uh, that's enough reason to send him elsewhere. More than one goal against the Thrashers tonight had to do primarily with Boris, including at least one of the Preds' late ones. I'm sorry folks, the guy just isn't very good.
- Now Mark Popovic on the other hand, THAT'S a strong defenseman.
- Nathan Oystrick was a million times more physical than Valabik tonight.
- Therefore: our bottom pairing should be Salmela-Popovic, with Oystrick as the 7th man.
- Toby Enstrom and Rich Peverley both had a GREAT game tonight.
- Evander Kane had some good moments (throwing Preds into the boards, knocking dudes off the puck despite him clearly weighing less), and he made some expected rookie mistakes. At this point I'm agnostic about whether or not to give him an immediate place in the line-up...
- Maxim Afinogenov had one absolutely thrilling, lift-you-out-of-your-seat moment (a breakaway of some sort). He's super-fast, and while he wasn't extra-impressive tonight, I can imagine him doing damage alongside Peverley.
- Peverley: good at face-offs.
- Antropov: awesome in almost every way but face-offs. BUT he's improving.
- Little is still scoring those goals, as you probably heard.
- Zach Bogosian is God. And I don't want him and Enstrom split up under any circumstances.
- Joey Crabb can still inspire Razor's timeless Crab Dance.
Insane fun hanging with Daculafan, Rawhide, R. Stroz, and Chronicle commenter Speaker of Truth. One day there will be a Safety Dance vs. Crab Dance dance-off.
- Pavelec. He's good. I can get behind him.
- Kovalchuk circling the net and then dishing the puck to Nik Antropov for a hellacious goal was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. More beautiful than Botticelli's Primavera and Rilke's Duino Elegies put together.
- How about that Josh Gratton? Chris Thorburn's old job? Hm? Hmmm?
- Pavel Kubina. I still think this guy is ultra-solid. Possibly my favorite human out there so far. He's always on the right side of a play, and he rarely makes stupid mistakes. And he's a good all-around defenseman: he can block, he can get physical, he can pass, he can shoot and score, etc. And he went appropriately batshit when some joke tripped Kovy and took an honorable roughing penalty.
- I'm sorry Boris groupies, but Valabik is a miserable defenseman. He can't pass, he can't defend, and uh, that's enough reason to send him elsewhere. More than one goal against the Thrashers tonight had to do primarily with Boris, including at least one of the Preds' late ones. I'm sorry folks, the guy just isn't very good.
- Now Mark Popovic on the other hand, THAT'S a strong defenseman.
- Nathan Oystrick was a million times more physical than Valabik tonight.
- Therefore: our bottom pairing should be Salmela-Popovic, with Oystrick as the 7th man.
- Toby Enstrom and Rich Peverley both had a GREAT game tonight.
- Evander Kane had some good moments (throwing Preds into the boards, knocking dudes off the puck despite him clearly weighing less), and he made some expected rookie mistakes. At this point I'm agnostic about whether or not to give him an immediate place in the line-up...
- Maxim Afinogenov had one absolutely thrilling, lift-you-out-of-your-seat moment (a breakaway of some sort). He's super-fast, and while he wasn't extra-impressive tonight, I can imagine him doing damage alongside Peverley.
- Peverley: good at face-offs.
- Antropov: awesome in almost every way but face-offs. BUT he's improving.
- Little is still scoring those goals, as you probably heard.
- Zach Bogosian is God. And I don't want him and Enstrom split up under any circumstances.
- Joey Crabb can still inspire Razor's timeless Crab Dance.
Insane fun hanging with Daculafan, Rawhide, R. Stroz, and Chronicle commenter Speaker of Truth. One day there will be a Safety Dance vs. Crab Dance dance-off.
Yup
Pre-season game against the Preds tonight. Did you realize that?
Pavelec needs to prove himself. I hear the boy's bad news. In a good way.
See you all there, in body or in spirit.
Pavelec needs to prove himself. I hear the boy's bad news. In a good way.
See you all there, in body or in spirit.
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