Scoreboard Watch

The Thrashers did not play tonight, but it was still a profitable night in the standings. Here are how the teams around the Thrashers did:

3. Tampa Bay – Lost in OT
4. Ottawa – Won (beat the Canes)
5. Pittsburgh – Lost
6. Atlanta
7. NY Islanders – Won
8. Montreal – Lost
9. Carolina – Lost
10. Toronto – Lost

BREAKING: Thrashers Acquire Pascal Dupuis

The Thrashers have acquired Pascal Dupuis from the NY Rangers in exchange for Alex Bourret. Dupuis is a left wing who has tallied 68 goals and 74 assists in 340 NHL games. Analysis to come later.

UPDATE: According to TSN, the trade was Pascal Dupuis for Alex Bourret and a third round draft pick.

UPDATE: From the Thrashers, Atlanta gets Pascal and a third round pick for Bourret. TSN had a little mistake on that one.

Jason Krog Re-claimed

As a fan of Jason Krog, I am glad to hear he is going back to the Chicago Wolves. I know this is from yesterday, but I am glad to see the Thrashers don’t have to go through the tedious task of taking him out of the Wingers at the game now (can you sense the sarcasm?).

Atlanta, GA (Feb. 26, 2007) — The Atlanta Thrashers have re-claimed forward
Jason Krog on waivers from the New York Rangers and have assigned him to the
Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League, according to Executive Vice
President and General Manager Don Waddell. It was also announced that Thrashers forward Niko Kapanen has been claimed on waivers by the Phoenix Coyotes and forward Denis Hamel has been claimed on waivers by the Philadelphia Flyers.
(more)…

Thank God Niko is no longer on the team. Don’t get me wrong, Niko has had his moments, but I don’t think he has ever fit well into this team. Hamel is an average player who has not done much good or bad for the Thrashers so it is no biggie that he is gone. As for the Chicago Wolves, they could use the help of Jason Krog as their division lead has been reduced to just three points ahead of the Omaha Ak-Sar-Ben Knights while the Wolves have played three more games than the rival Knights.

Postgame, @ Boston, Feb. 26

AP Recap – TSN – Box Score – AJC – Photos

I will consider tonight’s game as day number one of the new season. The slumps are past, the funk is gone, and the future is here. This was the first game since December that I have seen the threat of fireworks from every line, every shift. Only three goals were scored, but give this squad a few practices and games to gel, and it will be the Fourth of July in Atlanta.

There are three things from the game that I wanted to talk about: special teams, hustle, and of course, the new guys.

First up: the special teams. Up until a day or two ago, the Thrashers were dead last in the league on the penalty kill. Something changed, however, about the time Eric Belanger was acquired. First seen in the Ottawa game, and then further announced in the first game against the ‘Canes, the squad sent a bold message tonight that mediocrity is gone, and freebie goals will not be allowed anymore. You want a power play goal, you are going to have to earn it. Everyone who was given shorthanded minutes was aggressive, cleared the puck effectively, and barely allowed the Bruins any shots. There were only four penalties taken to begin with, one of which (Larsen’s) was incredibly weak and probably should have been called for a dive, too. Take fewer penalties, it helps the penalty kill, simple as that.

The power play also was drastically improved. Anytime a team can have Slava Kozlov, Ilya Kovalchuk, Keith Tkachuk, Alexei Zhitnik, and Marian Hossa on the ice at the same time, it will excel. Those five did not look all that in sync, but still showed vast improvement over recent games. The real improvement came from the 2nd power play line, which produced two power play goals. The players that served time on this are all bangers and crease crashers. The 1-2 combination of a top line with firepower and a second line with garbage goals galore is a dangerous combination.

Second thing that was great about the game was the hustle. Saturday’s game against the Canes was absolutely pathetic, and it made me wonder how much the guys cared. Tonight answered that question. Every player on the ice hustled, hit, and worked their butts off. The new guys brought energy, and everyone else seemed to draw from it. This was the first time in a while that the 1 on 1 and board battles were won a majority of the time by the Thrashers. Scott Mellanby played only 9 minutes and change, but it seemed like every time I looked at the ice he was making a play. Anytime a 40 year-old is hustling that much, you know the younger guys are too. Way to be lead by example, Mell.

I can’t forget about the new guys. Keith Tkachuk was the most prominent acquisition, and he didn’t disappoint. He brought physicality to the team, and won an impressive 10 of 14 faceoffs. For a guy that has played wing most of his career, that is needless to say pretty solid. Imagine how many faceoffs the team will win when Steve Rucchin gets back. Tkachuk crashed the net, won board battles, and created opportunities. Give him and Kovalchuk time together, and I guarantee some highlight reel goals.

Eric Belanger is the lesser known new acquisition, but he is really impressing me. He earned the second star tonight, scoring a goal and an assist. He was flying all over the ice, and is starting to look great between Hossa and Kozlov.

The last guy was the most impressive to me: Alexei Zhitnik. He single-handily shutdown a 3 on 1, seemingly poke-checked away every great chance, and cleared the crease quite well. He tallied an assist on the Thrasher’s first power play. His greatest affect might be on Kari Lehtonen though. For a long time, Kari has had a sub par defense in front of him, and recently, his confidence has faltered. Early in the game the Thrashers’ goaltender looked weak, unconfident, and let in two fairly soft goals. After about half through the game, that was over. Confident Kari from earlier in the year was back, making huge saves and excluding confidence to his team. “He was unbelievable, I’m just so happy to have him here. He showed why he’s a world class player,” said Lehtonen.

Another aspect of the new guys that cannot be overlooked is that they bumped everyone down a line. For a long time, Andy Sutton has played against other teams’ top offensive threats, and struggled. Tonight, he was in the third defensive pairing thanks to Zhitnik, and he again played like a quality defender. Likewise, both Bobby Holik and Eric Belanger had been playing a line higher than they are comfortable with. Tonight they played where they should be, and both excelled.

The Thrashers next play on Friday against the Ottawa Senators. It is the home debut for Zhitnik and Tkachuk, so make sure you are there. It is also Marian Hossa statue night, so it will sellout early.

Line Combinations

From the Blueland Blog, tonight’s line combinations:

Kozlov- Belanger- Hossa
Kovalchuk- Tkachuk- Sim
Vigier- Holik- Larsen/Boulton
Mellanby- Slater- Larsen/Boulton

Havelid- Zhitnik
Exelby- de Vries
Hnidy- Sutton

Niko is on waivers but is still with the team, and the other healthy scratch is Steve McCarthy.

Trade Deadline

To mark the occassion, I feel the need to steal a movie quote:

What do you like better, Christmas or Trade Deadline?
Yes. The answer would be, um, Trade Deadline?
Bingo!

It really is a holiday. And to mark the occassion, Patrick and/or I will be posting on breaking trades, and will talk about any moves the Thrashers make as quickly as they break.

Also check out The Falconer because I know he will have great analysis and breaking news.

NHL Broadcasting Trade Deadline

From Kukla’s Korner:

NHL.com has confirmed they will be streaming the Trade Deadline broadcast online from the NHL Network on Tuesday from 10am-6pm ET.

The broadcast will feature the feed originating from TSN in Canada and will provide in-depth coverage of all the trades and analysis.

Good news!

Update: 2:00 pm ET
Official Press Release:

LIVE NHL.COM STREAMING FOR NHL TRADE DEADLINE
For the first time ever, NHL.com will stream NHL Network’s coverage of the 2007 Trade Deadline live from 10 am to 6 pm. The broadcast will be available in the United States. Canadian users are requested to tune into NHL Network on digital cable and satellite.

Yet another great example of the NHL embracing new technology.

Monday News and Notes

From TSN, Niko Kapanen, and Denis Hamel have been put on waivers. If no team picks them up, then the Thrashers continue to pay their salary but it does not count against the cap.

I have expressed my views of Niko, and so this move makes me quite happy. It might also be a sign that Waddell isn’t done trading before tomorrow at 3. Should be very interesting.

Jason Krog was also waived by the NY Rangers.

---

Interesting quote from USA Today:

Asked whether he was planning any more moves, Waddell said he had $2.471 million left in cap space, and he may or may not be done.

Joked Waddell: “What’s Billy Guerin’s cap space? – It’s $2.4 million.”

---

Darren Eliot’s view of the trades:

Well, in Waddell’s words, the future is now — and in a span of 12 hours he consummated two deals that were diametrically opposed to his staunch builder’s stance of the past seven-plus seasons. In acquiring Alexei Zhitnik and Keith Tkachuk, Waddell parted with prospect Braydon Coburn — the eighth overall pick in 2003 — the first and third picks of the upcoming draft and a second rounder in 2008. He also sent forward Glen Metropolit as part of the Tkachuk deal — the second roster player dealt in the past couple of weeks after defenseman Vitaly Vishnevski was dealt to Nashville for centerman Eric Belanger.

---

From The Forechecker:

I love what Atlanta’s doing on the trade front. Many bloggers (Paul Kukla and Tom Benjamin, for example) decry the “rent-a-player” aspect of the NHL, but I think it only hightens the excitement of the final portion of the season, and gives bottom-dwelling teams a chance to get a jump on building towards next season.

Everyone’s got a solution to the problem of selling the NHL in the US, and the first item on most people’s list is to get the NHL back on ESPN. You know what? I don’t think that would help all that much. Another option to consider would be to tie into the two Superstations, WGN and TBS, to get Chicago Blackhawks and Atlanta Thrashers games televised.

Very interesting idea. TBS basically spread the Braves to every corner of the nation, and I think would do a great job with hockey.

---

From Larry Wigge, “Tkachuk adds power to Atlanta’s quest“

Pregame, @ Boston, Feb. 26

The Thrashers head into Boston tonight to take on the streaking Bruins, who are 7-3-0 in their last ten games. Tonight will be the debuts of recently acquired Alexei Zhitnik and Keith Tkachuk.

The game will be broadcast tonight on national TV in the US on Versus.

Season series:

• Oct. 11: W, 4-1
• Lehtonen sets franchise shutout streak
• Nov. 6: W, 5-3
• Kovalchuk hat trick

I believe that tonight will be a statement game for the team, who will break out of their recent funk and announce to the league that the team that was second in the East for almost four months is back, and will compete for the division crown. I can’t wait to see what Zhitnik and Tkachuk can do.

Thrashers		Bruins
31-23-10	Record	30-27-4
72	Points	64
SE, 2nd	Division Rank	NE, 5th
11-11-4	vs. Bruins
4-4-4	@ Bruins
2-0-0	This Season	0-2-0
17-13-4	on Road
	at Home	16-12-2
1-3-1	Last 5	3-1-1
2-6-2	Last 10	7-3-0
7-6-1	vs. Opposing Division	8-9-0
W, 5-3	Last Meeting	Nov. 6
.652	Win %, Leading After 1	0.667
.692	Leading After 2	0.737
.333	Trailing After 1	0.158
.200	Trailing After 2	0.160
Steve Rucchin	Injuries	Andrew Alberts
		Glen Murray
		Chuck Kobasew
16.4% (22)	Power Play (RK)	19.1% (8)
77.8% (28)	Penalty Kill (RK)	81.8% (17)
-11	Goal Differential	-43
1.07 (11)	5 on 5 Ratio (RK)	.74 (28)
29.9 (12)	Shots/G (RK)	28.8 (18)
31.1 (23)	SA/G (RK)	34.0 (30)
52.7% (2)	Faceoff % (RK)	49.1% (19)
M. Hossa (35)	Team Leaders – Goals	G. Murray (27)
M. Hossa (44)	Assists	M. Savard (61)
M. Hossa (79)	Points	M. Savard (82)
Lehtonen	Goalies	Thomas
25-19-8	Record	27-19-3
4	Shutouts	3
2.91	GAA	3.09
0.907	Save %	0.907

Trade Analysis

For the first time in franchise history, the Thrashers have decided not to save for the future but to make moves for here and now. The Thrashers traded Braydon Coburn in exchange for Alexei Zhitnik (player info) from Philadelphia on Saturday. Less than 24 hours later, they also acquired Keith Tkachuk (player info)from St. Louis for Glen Metropolit, “first-round and third-round draft choices in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, a second-round choice in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft and a conditional first-round choice in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.” Here are a sampling of the opinions on the trades, and what I think.

	Keith Tkachuk	Alexei Zhitnik
Country	Melrose, Mass.	Kiev, Ukraine
Born	Mar. 28, 1972	Oct. 10, 1972
Weight	225	214
Height	6’2”	5’11”
Career (games, G, A)	958, 466, 445	1,002, 91, 358
Playoffs (games, G, A)	81, 27, 26	94, 9, 30

Pictures from Yahoo.com

---

Scott Burnside:

Whatever happens now, whether the Atlanta Thrashers flame out in the first round of the playoffs, make a run for the roses or, heck, miss the playoffs altogether, GM Don Waddell has boldly emerged from his own shadow to prove he can play with the big boys.

Was the price too much?

The answer will unfold over the coming weeks — maybe months if the Flyers can somehow coax Coburn into learning how to skate and hit. But the immediate answer is a resounding “no” because hope and belief, in general, have no price tag, and that’s what Waddell bought this weekend.

Allan Muir:

While the addition of Tkachuk makes the Thrashers better on paper, the key aspect of this deal from Atlanta’s perspective is that it puts the onus on the players to win now. No more building for the future, no more small steps. The cavalry’s arrived. It’s time to mount up.
The Edge: At the moment, let’s give the edge to Atlanta. The Thrashers didn’t pull the trigger on this deal to win the Stanley Cup. They simply need to make the playoffs for the first time, and this deal gives them a better chance to accomplish that goal.

Wes Goldstein:

Waddell paid a heavy price to salvage his team’s season, and more likely his job with the organization. Whether it works remains to be seen, but you have to give the guy credit for trying.

Jeff Schultz:

Waddell in the past has been overly concerned about “mortgaging the future.” Apparently, the message finally got through: Dude, if you don’t improve this team, there’s a good chance you have no future.

Pierre Lebrun:

Waddell transformed his team over the weekend, signalling that the future is now for a Thrashers team trying to make the playoffs for the first time in its history.

Eric Duhatschek:

Still, it’s hard to quarrel with Waddell’s thinking – or overemphasize the state of his desperation. Once the Thrashers came up short in the Peter Forsberg sweepstakes (and the belief is that Forsberg didn’t want to go there for reasons that ranged from his assessment of their post-season chances to the presence of former Avs’ coach Bob Hartley behind the bench), Waddell landed the next-best available talent. It will be up to Hartley and his staff (notably hard-ass assistant Brad McCrimmon) to coax more out of Tkachuk than he’s been able to deliver in playoffs past. Otherwise, Atlanta gave up an awful lot of its future in the misguided view that they could accomplish something in the all-too-urgent present.

Craig Custance:

I’m sure the critics will emerge saying the Thrashers overspent to pick up these two players, but I would have been much more critical if they didn’t spend at all. What would you rather have — a guy like Anson Carter for a fifth rounder or Tkachuk and Zhitnik for the price the Thrashers paid?

Spector on Tkachuk:

For now, the Thrashers and their fans will be thrilled if Tkachuk can bolster their playoff hopes. If he can, it may be worth the price.

Spector on Zhitnik:

If the Thrashers were expecting this move to put them into the playoffs, they could be disappointed. And if Coburn goes on to a bright future in Philly, it could come back to haunt them.

James Mirtle
Coburn Interview
A Flyer fan’s view
A St. Louis fan’s view
Falconer’s analysis

---

My opinion:
First, let me start off by saying that Glen Metropolit and Braydon Coburn were two of my favorite players in the franchise. I am not all that sad to see them go, however. For years, Thrashers fans have argued for and wanted that huge trade in the middle of the season that would catapult the team into the playoffs. Well, this is it. Last year Don Waddell used words and guaranteed a playoff berth. This year, he has used actions to do basically the same thing.

After years of stockpiling picks and young prospects, it was time to trade in for help now. Even though Coburn is a future NHL defensemen, and a good one at that, we have plenty of talented prospects in the minors. And all the picks we gave up for Tkachuk? Again, there is plenty of young prospects to cover us for a at least five or six years.

Do I think the price of the Tkachuk trade was a bit high? Yes. Was it worth it? Yes. As long as the team makes the playoff and can make a bit of noise in it, all the deals were worth it. If the team does not, Don Waddell will be looking for a new job. He mortgaged the future of the team for both today’s team, and his job. Let’s hope it works out. I will say though that I can’t wait to hear “KEITH TKACHUK!” introduced on Friday night.