Agent Hyperbole
Oct 6, 2008 NHL
Browsing through the NHL news, I came across this gem at TSN: Thrashers top prospect Pavelec won’t report to AHL. That’s odd, I thought, considering that the AHL is where ‘prospects’ have a tendency to play before getting their shot. Reading on:
”When Ondrej signed two years ago, [Thrashers GM Don Waddell] gave Ondrej his word. He sat there at the table and gave Ondrej his personal word that Ondrej would never be held back,” Allan Walsh, Pavelec’s agent, told Sporting News. ”Last year he led Chicago to an American League championship. This year he played in the first exhibition game and then the third period on October 3 — they threw him into the game cold in the third period. That is criminal mismanagement of a young goalie.”
Really, now? I looked up that second game - he didn’t exactly get thrown in as he started in goal coming out from the second intermission, which is a common occurrence in the pre-season. You want your guy to go to the KHL, fine, I get it, but don’t make getting put in to start the period for a struggling Hedberg sound like he got shoved onto the ice without his pads on.
Tags: atlanta, hedberg, Hockey, khl, NHL, pavelec, thrashers
Miller Injured in Shootout Loss to Thrashers
Feb 2, 2008 NHL
To be honest, as soon as Miller went down in the second period, I sort of stopped worrying about the outcome of the game. I thought Ryan’s bell had just been rung by hitting his helmet on the post, but when you watch the replay, you see him react a few seconds AFTER that…and unfortunately, it reminds of when Hasek got injured in the Olympics a few years back (down for a save, head jerks back in obvious sharp pain). More will be known today, and I hope it’s not so serious as that.
As for the game, the Thrashers came out swinging early, getting the 2 goal lead in the first period. However, the second period was all Buffalo as they scored 3 goals. The first was a blast from Spacek at the point on the power play that was redirected by Jochen Hecht. Pominville netted the next one, and they took the lead on a sweet pass from Derek Roy out to Dan Paille who was left alone for the easy shot.
The Thrashers tied it early in the third on a goal from Jim Slater, after Thibault came out to replace Miller. Kalinin gave Buffalo the lead back a few minutes later on the power play, but Tobias Enstrom sent the game to OT with 17 seconds to go. The Sabres were down 2 men for a 6 on 3 disadvantage (with Hedberg on the bench). Hard to blame T-bo for that. The OT session was one big PK for the Sabres, and the shootout was ended in the 4th round. T-bo made some good saves to get it that far, but the Sabres could not get one past Hedberg.
I want to go all positive on you guys, what with 5 out of 6 points, better scoring (including D involvement, 2 PPGs) and all, but the injuries worry me. Miller, obviously, is a cornerstone. The Sabres cannot push for the playoffs without him. I thought I heard mention of a shoulder injury for Spacek, and then there are the guys already down.
I would like to give special recognition to Derek Roy, he was outstanding last night at both ends. Also to the refs, for missing multiple calls, possibly calling a no goal that should’ve counted on Gaustad’s ‘interference’ of Hedberg. I still don’t know how they can call a no goal but not the penalty. Roy got a stick to the face that went uncalled also.
The Sabres next play on Tuesday, so maybe some of these guys will be okay by then.
Tags: atlanta, B-Lo Sports, hecht, hedberg, Hockey, injury, kalinin, NHL, paille, roy, Ryan Miller, sabres, slater, Spacek, thibault, thrashers
Stoned By Hedberg
Jan 7, 2008 NHL
…okay, really? Isn’t Hedberg Harry Potter’s owl? (before you email me, I know it isn’t) Buffalo just couldn’t not figure out Johan Hedberg as they fall to the Thrashers 5-2. Defensive lapses mar a game in which the Sabres fired 39 shots on goal but could only net 2. Vanek in particular was all over the place, with one of the 2 goals, but could’ve had more. I think Lindy recognized it, as Vanek has 19 minutes of ice time, though that could be out of necessity with all the guys that are out. Clarke MacArthur had the other Sabres goal (his 4th in 13 games in the show).
I wish I was able to come up with some possible solution to their offensive woes, but I’m at a loss. They can’t bench guys right now, there are too many injuries. That comes into play with trades also, but it’s early yet (and the standings too tight) to get anyone of real value. Something has to change, and soon.
It doesn’t get any easier in the next few games, either, away at New Jersey tomorrow, at Ottawa Thursday, home for NJ, away for the Rangers. Can we work a few wins in there guys?
Tags: atlanta, B-Lo Sports, hedberg, Hockey, macarthur, NHL, sabres, Thomas Vanek, thrashers
