A New Kind of Torture

Before we get started I have a request. Please write me a comment below so I know you’re reading. I have no idea if anyone is interested this year. Ok, on with the show.

First off, a loss is a loss and the details are irrelevant. “Moral victory” is a phrase that losers use often. That being said, last night we played by far our best game of the season. The Thrashers lost 6-5 in heart-breaking fashion as Elias scored the winning goal with :28 remaining in the game. Before we get into the stats and facts that will make you vomit a little in mouth, let’s take a look at the positives of last night’s game:

1) The Thrashers hustled and actually seemed to care – Our puck possession was much improved. In the first and second periods Atlanta controlled the puck, played as physical as this diminutive team can and applied pressure. A huge improvement in this area!
2) The Thrashers can pass and score – The passing was excellent for some of the first period and almost all of the second. They scored more goals last night then they have scored in the previous four games combined.
3) Kovy is still a star – His shot is so quick it’s invisible; he plays both ways with passion, kills penalties, and distributes the puck. He scored twice last night and gave it his all on 95% of his shifts. At one point I also saw him jump over the boards and sell cotton candy, show an elderly couple to their seats and start the wave. IIya has to be exhausted; he is doing his best to carry our undermanned, undisciplined squad.
4) Little and Toby – They have skills, are fun to watch and give it their all.

But sadly my Blueland friends, we still lost and this one hurt. I am a peaceful person for the most part. While exiting the arena last night the feeling came to me that I hoped one of Devils fans would say something to me so that I could knock someone out. This is not healthy! Here is why we are still the only NHL without a point:

1) Defenseman – Our skilled D-men are small and get pushed around. The big guys are slow and none are going to the All-Star game. Collectively, they play as if they don’t trust Kari and Moose and tend to screen their Goalie. They attempt to make saves. This has happened time and time again.
2) Goaltending – Is it me or does Kari seem to have a vision problem? Too often he searches around wildly for pucks that are under or beside him.
3) Stupidity – I am a big X fan but his penalty with 1:45 left in a tie-game last night was unacceptable. He tackled a Devil right in front of the Ref, who had no problem calling penalties on us all night. The Devils winning goal was scored a little over a minute later.
4) Special Teams – Our PP is real bad but our PK is absolutely abysmal. During the before mentioned kill caused buy X’s tackle, the puck never left our zone for 1:15. We didn’t clear the puck once.
5) Size – The Thrashers are just too small to compete in the NHL. Last night they gave good effort but were completely out of gas by the third period.

And now some stats, the icing on this crap cake:

• The Thrashers had three shots on goal in the third period last night. I don’t remember the first two. This season we have been out shot 183-100. The least amount of shots the Thrashers have allowed is 28, the most we have tallied in any game is 29.
• The Thrashers have scored 9 goals in 5 games. They have allowed 23.
• Our power play is third worst in the league and out penalty kill is second worst.
• And last but certainly not least; the Thrashers are the only team in the NHL without a point.


Sharpening the Guillotine

From a personal standpoint, I like Bob Hartley. Our Coach is charismatic, a great spokesperson/ promoter of the team and funny as hell. I also would not be happy if someone took the time to write that I should be fired from my job. But the reality is that the current situation is intolerable and someone should be held accountable if it continues. You can’t fire the entire team. Mr. Waddell should also get some credit for our winless season. He did very little to improve our squad in the off-season. But if a finger must be pointed, I point it at the Coach.

First let’s look at his track record. His most impressive credential, he won a CUP for Colorado. Have you ever looked at that roster? It has at least 3 hall of famers on it. I might have been able to coach that team to ultimate victory. Otherwise his record is average and he has never been accused of leading a less than extremely talented team to very successful season. What stands out for me is Hartley’s system or lack thereof. His special team’s philosophy is a mystery. His PK system is particularly questionable. The passive “box” defense on the PK has been thoroughly unsuccessful but he continues to use it. He is also very twitchy and plays favorites. Tinkering with lines is a hobby for the coach and it has resulted in lack of chemistry this year.

Should he be fired today? I think that is premature but the Atlanta Spirit organization should sharpen the blade on the guillotine and be ready. In 2002 our GM and Owners let Curt Frasier amass an 8-20 record before he was beheaded. We can’t wait that long this year, we’ll lose too much fan base.

Happy Days

They’ll be back. Don’t lose hope but if you’re a fan of this team please do not tolerate losing. It’s a dangerous habit that could result in the departure of our superstars in the coming years.

Your Loyal Servant,

Sean Grace