tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351570794533734473.post8972324695229021090..comments2023-10-15T11:17:16.226-07:00Comments on A Yankee Whistles in Dixie: The Thrashers and the Ewing (Kovalchuk?) TheoryA Yankee Whistles in Dixiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04242799480384746684noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351570794533734473.post-77930117294554516382010-03-10T06:34:23.009-08:002010-03-10T06:34:23.009-08:00Anonymous #1 stopping by to, sadly, rest her case....Anonymous #1 stopping by to, sadly, rest her case.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351570794533734473.post-31496463147209321402010-03-05T09:09:58.017-08:002010-03-05T09:09:58.017-08:00The system that Kovy wanted Anderson to play was b...The system that Kovy wanted Anderson to play was basically the one that Hartley employed (surprise, surprise). I think it's been proven in the post-lockout era, for the most part, that with the new rules if you can put together 12 forwards who can skate and forecheck, defenders can't restrain them anymore and you get a lot more chances. Anaheim, for the most part, did it, Carolina did it, Buffalo got to two conference finals doing it. New Jersey tends to do it now.<br /><br />Look at what happened to the Rangers by following the superstar model -- as soon as Jagr was gone, they were done. And when teams could stop that one line in the playoffs they also were done.A Yankee Whistles in Dixiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04242799480384746684noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351570794533734473.post-4921995132770969962010-03-05T08:48:53.917-08:002010-03-05T08:48:53.917-08:00'A Thrasher Fan Lovin Life!' is basing his...'A Thrasher Fan Lovin Life!' is basing his negative comments about Kovalchuk and Kozlov disagreeing with Anderson on comments Kozlov gave to Russian news outlets. K & K definitely wanted to primarily roll two lines, saying the players can't maintain a good rhythm if you are rolling four lines, whereas using two lines allows for a better flow thru the game. Also saying they had tried to get Anderson to change the style of play to more of their liking.<br /><br />He said these sort of comments on more than one occasion, based on the translated excerpts that I saw. I imagine you can search and find these articles...or likely they have been discussed on the team boards....yes, here you go<br /><br />http://fans.thrashers.nhl.com/topic/14884<br /><br />krackerkrackernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351570794533734473.post-57362190226212700202010-03-05T07:18:45.883-08:002010-03-05T07:18:45.883-08:00Anonymous #1 here... :)
Still cynical... but curi...Anonymous #1 here... :)<br /><br />Still cynical... but curious. I will go to Sunday's game.<br /><br />Would also like to point out that Kovy wasn't the only player missing from last night's romp (over the Islanders, who they SHOULD be beating):<br /><br />White and Kozlov were gone too... taking their combined -31 off the ice.<br /><br />Everyone's happy when the team's winning! Let's see what happens when they take on some teams with winning records, huh? The stretch coming up when they play BUF-OTT-PHI-PHI-BOS will be a better test.<br /><br />And again, just so it's clear: I love the Thrashers and I want them to succeed, with or without Kovy. I'm just not convinced, based on 9 years of Thrashers futility, that this little streak really means anything and I welcome the opportunity to be proven wrong by the team.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351570794533734473.post-76763022839365887482010-03-05T07:04:13.867-08:002010-03-05T07:04:13.867-08:00Thrasher Fan Lovin Life: You are exuberant. A litt...Thrasher Fan Lovin Life: You are exuberant. A little conspiracy-minded, but I think there might be something to the fact that Kovy and Kozzy might not have wanted to play the style that Anderson is trying to promote and now they have the players who have the attitude to play it. An important point: When you win, players buy into what you're selling. They're winning right now and so everyone (who's in the lineup) is buying in. Bergfors has been a revelation and Antropov and Afinogenov are playing phenomenal. Let's see if your (irrational?) exuberance can last a weekend of Tampa Bay and Carolina -- which is playing fantastic hockey since Eric Staal was named captain (8-2 in their last 10).A Yankee Whistles in Dixiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04242799480384746684noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351570794533734473.post-46996625245462029862010-03-05T06:11:36.106-08:002010-03-05T06:11:36.106-08:00OK...They're now in the #8 playoff spot, got s...OK...They're now in the #8 playoff spot, got scores from MacArthur and Artyukhin in their 1st games with the team, Bergfors scored his 4th goal in 7 games since joining the team (part of Kovy trade), the team scored FOUR goals in the 1st last night against the Isles (a team that thoroughly manhandled them in 3 previous meetings WITH Kovy), and hey, they've moved from pg C4 to pg C2 in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (although Jeff Schultz and his grudge continue to try and run them out of town). <br /><br />DUDLEY has quietly assembled a very talented team...One that "former" Thrasher fans still fail to recognize. This team can hang with anyone, as proven by the 4-0-2 record over the past 6 games including a 3-game roady against quality opponents. This team presents a PROBLEM for the opposition now because they have no idea where the next shot's coming from (Eric Bolton took 3 shots Tues nt for goodness sake!) The EWING/KOVY THEORY LIVES!!<br /><br />One other thing that's not come out in the mainstream press. Kovy and Kozlov were trying to strongarm J Anderson into running the team "the Russian way". The degree of this "mutiny on the Blueland" is still unknown, but it was obviously detrimental to the T-E-A-M. Ever seen an unhappy Russian pout? The removal of Kovy and benching of Kozzie has been referred to on blogs - accurately - as the "removal of a team cancer".<br /><br />Not sure how that fits the Ewing Theory, since it assumes the Superstar isn't so powerful that he's "actively detrimental", perhaps even intentionally sabotaging. However, when all the facts come out, that may indeed make it "The Kovy Theory" - Namely, the removal of a "cancerous" Superstar that allows the remaining players to flourish?<br /><br />Oh yeah...Artyukhin got the "Play of the Night" on NHL On The Fly for his freakishly dominate breakaway last night! When's the last time a THRASHER got Play of the Night? Then again, who was going to stop him? Not me.<br /><br />SELLOUTS are coming to Philips Arena and so are the Playoffs! Playoffs? Playoffs? YES...A Thrasher Fan Lovin Life!noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351570794533734473.post-19297884627893776492010-03-05T05:48:56.548-08:002010-03-05T05:48:56.548-08:006-1... make that 4-1-2 since Kovy left.
Put anoth...6-1... make that 4-1-2 since Kovy left.<br /><br />Put another way, that's 10 out of 14 possible points. Do that all season and you win the President's Trophy with 116 points.<br /><br />They aren't playing "just average" right now. But time will tell -- there are 21 games left. We'll see if they can sustain it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351570794533734473.post-85868739217475004522010-03-04T11:30:18.867-08:002010-03-04T11:30:18.867-08:00Anonymous (No. 1): Your cynicism is justified. Cou...Anonymous (No. 1): Your cynicism is justified. Count me among those who thought that a very strong chance existed that we would see a repeat of '07-'08 after Hossa was traded, especially with the chance that the Russians might be greatly dispirited (as Kozlov appears to be). But credit has to go to Antropov and Afinogenov.<br /><br />The truth is that they might only be slightly above average, but that's about all you need to be to make the playoffs, especially in the East. And there's only 21 games left, so if they can avoid any losing streak of more than two games -- it might be a big "if" -- they might have as good of a shot as any of the teams with which they are competing.A Yankee Whistles in Dixiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04242799480384746684noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351570794533734473.post-5717235325931382242010-03-04T09:49:02.020-08:002010-03-04T09:49:02.020-08:00See 2009/10 Colorado Avalanche minus Joe Sakic. Gr...See 2009/10 Colorado Avalanche minus Joe Sakic. Great guy, great player but just look how the whole team stepped up this year. Sacco and Anderson of course are a big reason why, but watching them play in the offensive zone it's clear the overall effort would not be there if Sakic was still the go-to guy.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351570794533734473.post-70244372281858868922010-03-04T08:36:03.909-08:002010-03-04T08:36:03.909-08:00I'm not sure 3-3 is "startling," tho...I'm not sure 3-3 is "startling," though I know a simple W-L record is not the whole story. And don't get me wrong - I'm HAPPY they're playing well; I'm just cynical about it continuing. I'm a Thrashers fan... they've broken my heart before.<br /><br />I did not think they would "fall off a cliff," as you say. However, I think they were an average team before the trade, not an excellent team - they didn't have far to fall! They have thus far continued to be an average team, though manifested in a different manner. Time will tell where they end up.<br /><br />Would also like to point the team had similar 'positive reactions' (so to speak) after the hiring of Hartley... and the firing of Hartley. Neither of those led to any consistent good play either.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351570794533734473.post-18365117194846710872010-03-04T08:17:29.450-08:002010-03-04T08:17:29.450-08:00I agree that it's a small sample size, but the...I agree that it's a small sample size, but the results, thus far, are fairly startling. The part of the Ewing Theory that hooked me is that I think most people -- tell me if you were among them, Anonymous -- thought the Thrashers would fall off a cliff after the trade, much as they did after Hossa was traded. But if you compare them to the field right now, I think they've got a pretty good shot.A Yankee Whistles in Dixiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04242799480384746684noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351570794533734473.post-52760977710578578032010-03-04T07:56:59.641-08:002010-03-04T07:56:59.641-08:00And FWIW, Kovy would've been crucified if he s...And FWIW, Kovy would've been crucified if he said he wanted to leave. Instead he's being crucified for saying he wanted to stay. IMHO, he was in a no-win situation.<br /><br />What player, besides Ray Bourque, has ever been respected for saying he wanted out?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351570794533734473.post-38699941837733112642010-03-04T07:55:07.319-08:002010-03-04T07:55:07.319-08:00Team play is team play.....a great piece indeed.Team play is team play.....a great piece indeed.Stevens8204https://www.blogger.com/profile/17689694512085603780noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351570794533734473.post-77354633013279018292010-03-04T07:48:40.028-08:002010-03-04T07:48:40.028-08:00All I'm saying is that 6 games is too small a ...All I'm saying is that 6 games is too small a sample size to judge whether or not the Thrashers are better without Kovy. I'll be MORE than happy to celebrate when the team wins a playoff game, but until that happens - until they show me they can consistently play better, as a team, and win, then I'm not drinking the Kool-aid. I think the issues with this team's ability to compete go much farther than a single player. It starts with management. THAT, sadly, hasn't changed.<br /><br />As Fox Mulder said, I want to believe.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351570794533734473.post-14516917186259921752010-03-04T07:44:00.364-08:002010-03-04T07:44:00.364-08:00>> It's merely social science
And human...>> It's merely social science<br /><br />And human nature when it comes to group behavior.Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15974934729616421617noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351570794533734473.post-84717593048192946052010-03-04T07:28:55.678-08:002010-03-04T07:28:55.678-08:00Anonymous 1:
Why not throw Kovy under the bus? H...Anonymous 1: <br /><br />Why not throw Kovy under the bus? He lied to the fans of the THRASHERS. I understand if you are still a fan of the guy, that's fine. Personally, I don't want to be a fan of someone that says that he will stay in Atlanta if they do what he wants...and then the management does that...offers him the money, and he leaves anyway. <br /><br />Kovalchuk set the bar high, and didn't expect management to deliver. They did, and he ended up being revealed as a liar. <br /><br />The idea is that without Ilya Kovalchuk, the team is actually a team, and not centered around a superstar -- and that this team can succeed. It's not throwing him under the bus, it's just stating a fact. The team has been successful in the games since Kovalchuk, and you can't take that away from them. I don't think he's trying to say that IF Kovalchuk was on the team, that they would be any less successful or any MORE successful. There is no way of knowing. He is merely applying the theory to the situation at had. <br /><br />It's merely social science.Stephaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04948163538463052918noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351570794533734473.post-70106684590139824172010-03-04T07:19:23.037-08:002010-03-04T07:19:23.037-08:00Consistency has never been the Thrashers' stro...Consistency has never been the Thrashers' strong point. Show me some of that and maybe I'll believe.<br /><br />The Thrashers won 5 games WITH Kovy too. Let's see what happens when they go on one of their patented 8-game losing streaks. Who will be to blame then? "Boy, I bet the Thrashers sure wish they had Kovalchuk to help them get the puck in the net and out of this slide."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351570794533734473.post-23019969090350723512010-03-04T07:17:05.094-08:002010-03-04T07:17:05.094-08:00Thanks for the reply, John. I understand the theor...Thanks for the reply, John. I understand the theory and the argument, I just don't think an accurate assessment can be made after 6 games. Doing so points the finger at Kovalchuk as the sole reason for the lack of the Thrashers' success (all-time), and that's not fair.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351570794533734473.post-52403106964818902372010-03-04T06:54:17.339-08:002010-03-04T06:54:17.339-08:00Maybe to a degree. But as Hedberg said in the NHL....Maybe to a degree. But as Hedberg said in the NHL.com story: When a guy plays 25 minutes per night, leads the league in power play time, he's being put in the position to perform and others aren't to a large extent. Kane can't score PP goals if he's not on the PP. With Kovy gone, everyone has more opportunity and feels more responsible.A Yankee Whistles in Dixiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04242799480384746684noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351570794533734473.post-76762020351627728202010-03-04T06:49:22.860-08:002010-03-04T06:49:22.860-08:00I don't see how it's throwing Kovy under ...I don't see how it's throwing Kovy under the bus at all. Wouldn't it be throwing the rest of his teammates under the bus for not stepping up when he was still on the roster?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351570794533734473.post-4145292232287580502010-03-04T06:36:43.162-08:002010-03-04T06:36:43.162-08:00Anonymous: It's a just a theory and it's l...Anonymous: It's a just a theory and it's less about Kovy than it is the improved play of his ex-teammates.A Yankee Whistles in Dixiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04242799480384746684noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351570794533734473.post-21812866436784410292010-03-04T06:24:46.700-08:002010-03-04T06:24:46.700-08:00Gettin' a little tired of people throwing Kovy...Gettin' a little tired of people throwing Kovy under the bus after a whopping 5 wins. Talk to me after we win a playoff game.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351570794533734473.post-16243887487022037432010-03-04T06:10:10.118-08:002010-03-04T06:10:10.118-08:00Great post. Go Thrash go! This time we win some ro...Great post. Go Thrash go! This time we win some rounds.Seanhttp://www.shootoutgoals.comnoreply@blogger.com