Ok so we dropped a second straight shootout loss last night, both of them we surrendered the lead, both of them to divisional opponents. Not a great showing, but....and here's where I'm probably going to get some disagreement...not that terrible either.
First off, both teams we played are good teams. The Lightning have been in the top half of the conference this whole season pretty much and have been in the middle of the divisional fight the whole way. Carolina is one of the bubble teams that quite honestly if some teams in the top half get cold they could surrender their spot to Carolina quite easily.
Though we surrendered the lead and that's not good look at it from another direction. If the roles had been reversed and we had come from behind to win the games in a shootout as fans we'd be pretty darn happy right? There would be some comments, of course, that we shouldn't have fallen behind to begin with or that we should have converted on chances we had during the game. How about giving some credit to the fact that we played a couple of darn good teams...and honestly both teams, on both nights played their asses off.
I dont' think anybody could be disappointed with the effort level of the Thrashers for either game this week and for the most part people played pretty darn good I thought. If any one thing that happened in both games that needs to be addressed it would be the turnovers. In fact, every goal scored in regulation time against the Thrashers on both Wednesday and Thursday were directly due to turnovers.
The other thing that was a little disappointing was the Power Play, a little flat this week. The fact is though folks, that the team played well..and you're not going to win every game..nobody is that damn good. We came away with a point for each game..and that's still better than getting nothing.
So for all the doomsayers out there...take a look at the standings..watch how well the team really is playing...overall...we're doing just fine.
On another note...ESPN actually showed some footage of Thrash being arrested...we're getting national attention for the marketing campaign..it really is creating a buzz.
Holy shit folks!!!...do you know what all this means??...We may actually start becoming a legitimate hockey organization...where's my heart medication??
So how about you...is the glass half full...or half empty in regards to this week?
Friday, December 17, 2010
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Hello Marketing Dept.
The Thrashers fans for the past several weeks have been saying on different blogs and message boards that the marketing department needed to do something to draw more attention to the team, especially since the team seems to have turned a corner.
Well, it seems the marketing department may have actually been working on hatching up a scheme and it looks like yesterday they put that plan into action. As most of you fans know now Thrash, the team's mascot, decided to steal a Zamboni from the Duluth Ice Forum (the Thrashers' practice facility) and drive it down Satellite Blvd., where he was stopped by Gwinnett County Police and arrested. The judge later arraigned the bird and summarily imposed a sentence that he sell 5,000 tickets for the rest of the month to get out of the clink.
It's nice to see that the marketing department for the Atlanta Spirit Group is actually doing something to draw notice to the team. I guarantee that many non hockey fans saw a big ass Zamboni going down Satellite and that sparked interest and conversations..and hopefully that will translate into ticket sales. I didn't get to see the local news so I don't know if it got any coverage, though I doubt it, but that would have been nice to help get the word out.
Ultimately it's nice to see that ASG marketing is doing something about trying to get the word out to more than it's already loyal followers. There is no need to preach to the converted but for years it seems that's exactly what they have been trying to do.
What scheme...what plot....what plan is next for the marketing department...those genius ad guys employed by the ASG...who knows??
Well, it seems the marketing department may have actually been working on hatching up a scheme and it looks like yesterday they put that plan into action. As most of you fans know now Thrash, the team's mascot, decided to steal a Zamboni from the Duluth Ice Forum (the Thrashers' practice facility) and drive it down Satellite Blvd., where he was stopped by Gwinnett County Police and arrested. The judge later arraigned the bird and summarily imposed a sentence that he sell 5,000 tickets for the rest of the month to get out of the clink.
It's nice to see that the marketing department for the Atlanta Spirit Group is actually doing something to draw notice to the team. I guarantee that many non hockey fans saw a big ass Zamboni going down Satellite and that sparked interest and conversations..and hopefully that will translate into ticket sales. I didn't get to see the local news so I don't know if it got any coverage, though I doubt it, but that would have been nice to help get the word out.
Ultimately it's nice to see that ASG marketing is doing something about trying to get the word out to more than it's already loyal followers. There is no need to preach to the converted but for years it seems that's exactly what they have been trying to do.
What scheme...what plot....what plan is next for the marketing department...those genius ad guys employed by the ASG...who knows??
Monday, December 13, 2010
For Ramsay Accountability Isn't Just A Catchphrase
This weekend after a tough loss to the Colorado Avalanche the Thrashers had to pretty much immediately board a plane to go to Long Island to face the NHL cellar dwelling New York Islanders. Head coach Craig Ramsay had more on his mind though than just the team's travel plans. He made the decision to scratch Nic Bergfors and Ben Eager based on their performance during the Avalanche game.
In Atlanta the players are learning that accountability is everything...and this coach is willing to enforce it. This is the second time this season that Bergfors has been given a time out and for Eager it was his first to feel the wrath of the red pen put to the roster.
Bergfors, who had a goal Friday night, still got scratched. The coach stated to the AJC's Chris Vivlamore that he had not battled hard enough for loose pucks and had not worked hard enough in the game. In the past no player who scored one night would be benched the next night because of performance.
Ramsay has shown through both his words and his actions that there will be no slacking on his team, not even one shift. As a fan I have to say it's nice to see..and it's nice hear what he has to say during his pressers, especially if we lose. You no longer hear stuff like "We're just fragile right now" or "I don't know why we weren't ready to play tonight". Now what we hear is "They didn't play hard enough" or "The other team wanted it more than we did and that's not acceptable"
Not only is he telling the press it's not acceptable to lose he's telling his team..and not just with his mouth...he's telling guys who aren't playing hard enough to sit their ass down and watch while a teammate of theirs who is willing to put in the work does.
The effect on the team this year has been remarkable. It took a little while for the team to start to catch on to what Ramsay was teaching, but now they've got it..and it's brought them success which in turn breeds more success. Part of Ramsay's philosophy though, has been accountability to the coaches and to each other in the locker room...and more importantly for the players to police themselves and maintain that accountability.
Ramsay's formula has so far been pretty successful and I'm thinking that the ride is just beginning.
In Atlanta the players are learning that accountability is everything...and this coach is willing to enforce it. This is the second time this season that Bergfors has been given a time out and for Eager it was his first to feel the wrath of the red pen put to the roster.
Bergfors, who had a goal Friday night, still got scratched. The coach stated to the AJC's Chris Vivlamore that he had not battled hard enough for loose pucks and had not worked hard enough in the game. In the past no player who scored one night would be benched the next night because of performance.
Ramsay has shown through both his words and his actions that there will be no slacking on his team, not even one shift. As a fan I have to say it's nice to see..and it's nice hear what he has to say during his pressers, especially if we lose. You no longer hear stuff like "We're just fragile right now" or "I don't know why we weren't ready to play tonight". Now what we hear is "They didn't play hard enough" or "The other team wanted it more than we did and that's not acceptable"
Not only is he telling the press it's not acceptable to lose he's telling his team..and not just with his mouth...he's telling guys who aren't playing hard enough to sit their ass down and watch while a teammate of theirs who is willing to put in the work does.
The effect on the team this year has been remarkable. It took a little while for the team to start to catch on to what Ramsay was teaching, but now they've got it..and it's brought them success which in turn breeds more success. Part of Ramsay's philosophy though, has been accountability to the coaches and to each other in the locker room...and more importantly for the players to police themselves and maintain that accountability.
Ramsay's formula has so far been pretty successful and I'm thinking that the ride is just beginning.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
December Historically Dangerous for Thrashers
Well the Thrashers were red hot in the month of November. That isn't exactly out of the ordinary for the Thrashers though. The month of November has been kind to the Thrashers for quite a while. As the fall leafs give way to the call of Santa's sleigh bells the Thrashers have a trend of cooling down just as the temperature does.
Atlanta has compiled (since the lockout) a pretty impressive November record of 37-24-6 (not including this year) or 47-28-7 if you do include this year. Some other notable things to include in the statistics about November are the following:
Last year's record I think was partially due to the mounting Kovy drama but there seems to be a general let down and malaise that comes over the team during the last month of the year.
This month has started well with a record of 2-1 so far with a total of 16 games to play for the month, but this month is just getting started and it's going to be a grueling month for the Thrashers. Check out some of the bullet points on how tough this month is going to be:
Historically December has been fraught with danger and disappointment for this team but with Craig Ramsay now firmly in control of our boys in blue I'm beginning to feel a little better. The fact is you can see it's a different brand of hockey..it's team hockey..the way the hockey gods have always said it should be played.
We've got some tough opponents ahead of us...beginning with another match up with Colorado who always play us tough..and they are most likely looking for payback from the squeaker we pulled out in Denver last week.
Atlanta has compiled (since the lockout) a pretty impressive November record of 37-24-6 (not including this year) or 47-28-7 if you do include this year. Some other notable things to include in the statistics about November are the following:
- No record less than .500 for the month
- 10-4-1 this year
- 9-3-2 last year
Last year's record I think was partially due to the mounting Kovy drama but there seems to be a general let down and malaise that comes over the team during the last month of the year.
This month has started well with a record of 2-1 so far with a total of 16 games to play for the month, but this month is just getting started and it's going to be a grueling month for the Thrashers. Check out some of the bullet points on how tough this month is going to be:
- 4 back to back sets
- All back to back games are home/away
- 2 Western Conference opponents
- 3 divisional games (2 Tampa and 1 Carolina)
- 5 games vs opponents in the top half of their conference
- Home/away sets with Boston and Tampa
- Pittsburgh away (again!)
Historically December has been fraught with danger and disappointment for this team but with Craig Ramsay now firmly in control of our boys in blue I'm beginning to feel a little better. The fact is you can see it's a different brand of hockey..it's team hockey..the way the hockey gods have always said it should be played.
We've got some tough opponents ahead of us...beginning with another match up with Colorado who always play us tough..and they are most likely looking for payback from the squeaker we pulled out in Denver last week.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Open Letter to ASG: As One Fan Sees It
Dear ASG:
I have been a long time fan and 3 time season ticket holder of the Atlanta Thrashers. I am writing to you to in response to team president Don Waddell's comments following last night's win versus the Nashville Predators.
Mr. Waddell basically alluded to the fact that the fans need to come out and support the team. I want to say I totally agree, but let me give you some insight as to why the fan support may be a little slow in coming and some ideas on how you may be able to improve the fan experience at Phillips Arena.
First of all, I would say that the team has been playing great hockey lately and as a fan I'm extremely excited to see what the team is doing on the ice. The problem you have though is that with Atlanta being a non-traditional hockey market most people simply aren't aware of what the Thrashers are doing, nor that they have become an improved product. As for those of us who have been following the Thrashers we're still a little reserved in our judgment because we've seen hot streaks before only to be followed by disappointment in the overall product on the ice. I will say that personally, I am still holding my judgment for a little more proof, though I see where the team is headed and the type of hockey is sound and looks more promising than it ever has.
As I'm sure you're all aware, the financial future around Atlanta is shaky at best and many consumers just don't have what they used to or, as I find myself in the position of having to reconsider my spending to make sure to hedge for the future. Because of these financial realities people aren't going to pay for entertainment that simply isn't entertaining. Well, that's becoming less the problem for the Thrashers, but the problem you do now have is that the brand had become known for not being entertaining. Therefore, you now need to change people's thinking about your brand.
Your marketing department needs a serious overhaul. Your television advertising seems to usually be on channels that you televise your games on and during the broadcasts for those games. You are then advertising to people who already are interested in your product. Those aren't the people you need to reach...you've already reached us. Your marketing on television needs to be on the other local channels watched.
As for fan experience, I have a few complaints that come from being a long time customer. These complaints are actually minor and more of the inconvenience type. First, please get better ushers in Phillips Arena, there is nothing more frustrating than trying to watch a game but you can't see the action because people are moving around in their seats or they wait until the face off to get up and go get another beer. In other arenas the no movement during play is seriously addressed and people aren't allowed to move around during play but in Atlanta it's a joke. An usher standing at the top of the isle with a retarded little stop sign waiting until the play stops does not make crowd control.
It's too late for this season, but you seriously need to consider moving the start time to 7:30 PM. This will give fans more time to get from work and gather up the family and make it to the arena. 30 minutes extra is not going to kill the schedule and will make a world of difference in attendance.
Get concession personnel under control at the very least. Spending an entire intermission in line to get food that is overpriced and quite frankly not that great doesn't appeal to people. Which of course, leads me to the next which is find a vending company with lower price points or much better quality. Paying 12 dollars for a hot dog and fries is highway robbery and makes it almost impossible to bring an entire family to a game.
Finally, and I know this may seem petty to some, but can we please keep the caps to our drinks? I know there are some irresponsible people in this world, but many many more of us are mature enough to handle capping our drinks. This is an especially nice thing for those of use who bring children as young children have a tendency to spill drinks and capping them makes that much less likely.
I know I've taken up a few moments with this long letter and this isn't meant to be comprehensive but I wanted you to know that the fans will come with sustained on ice success (which I believe is going to happen finally) and if you will take a look at some customer service in your arena you will see that the level of customer satisfaction will rise and in turn your revenues should also.
Thank you.
I have been a long time fan and 3 time season ticket holder of the Atlanta Thrashers. I am writing to you to in response to team president Don Waddell's comments following last night's win versus the Nashville Predators.
Mr. Waddell basically alluded to the fact that the fans need to come out and support the team. I want to say I totally agree, but let me give you some insight as to why the fan support may be a little slow in coming and some ideas on how you may be able to improve the fan experience at Phillips Arena.
First of all, I would say that the team has been playing great hockey lately and as a fan I'm extremely excited to see what the team is doing on the ice. The problem you have though is that with Atlanta being a non-traditional hockey market most people simply aren't aware of what the Thrashers are doing, nor that they have become an improved product. As for those of us who have been following the Thrashers we're still a little reserved in our judgment because we've seen hot streaks before only to be followed by disappointment in the overall product on the ice. I will say that personally, I am still holding my judgment for a little more proof, though I see where the team is headed and the type of hockey is sound and looks more promising than it ever has.
As I'm sure you're all aware, the financial future around Atlanta is shaky at best and many consumers just don't have what they used to or, as I find myself in the position of having to reconsider my spending to make sure to hedge for the future. Because of these financial realities people aren't going to pay for entertainment that simply isn't entertaining. Well, that's becoming less the problem for the Thrashers, but the problem you do now have is that the brand had become known for not being entertaining. Therefore, you now need to change people's thinking about your brand.
Your marketing department needs a serious overhaul. Your television advertising seems to usually be on channels that you televise your games on and during the broadcasts for those games. You are then advertising to people who already are interested in your product. Those aren't the people you need to reach...you've already reached us. Your marketing on television needs to be on the other local channels watched.
As for fan experience, I have a few complaints that come from being a long time customer. These complaints are actually minor and more of the inconvenience type. First, please get better ushers in Phillips Arena, there is nothing more frustrating than trying to watch a game but you can't see the action because people are moving around in their seats or they wait until the face off to get up and go get another beer. In other arenas the no movement during play is seriously addressed and people aren't allowed to move around during play but in Atlanta it's a joke. An usher standing at the top of the isle with a retarded little stop sign waiting until the play stops does not make crowd control.
It's too late for this season, but you seriously need to consider moving the start time to 7:30 PM. This will give fans more time to get from work and gather up the family and make it to the arena. 30 minutes extra is not going to kill the schedule and will make a world of difference in attendance.
Get concession personnel under control at the very least. Spending an entire intermission in line to get food that is overpriced and quite frankly not that great doesn't appeal to people. Which of course, leads me to the next which is find a vending company with lower price points or much better quality. Paying 12 dollars for a hot dog and fries is highway robbery and makes it almost impossible to bring an entire family to a game.
Finally, and I know this may seem petty to some, but can we please keep the caps to our drinks? I know there are some irresponsible people in this world, but many many more of us are mature enough to handle capping our drinks. This is an especially nice thing for those of use who bring children as young children have a tendency to spill drinks and capping them makes that much less likely.
I know I've taken up a few moments with this long letter and this isn't meant to be comprehensive but I wanted you to know that the fans will come with sustained on ice success (which I believe is going to happen finally) and if you will take a look at some customer service in your arena you will see that the level of customer satisfaction will rise and in turn your revenues should also.
Thank you.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Pavelec keeping Promise Lehtonen made?
It's no secret if you've been watching the Thrasher's lately that a great deal of the success the club is having rests at the feet of the red hot goalie Ondrej Pavelec. Pavelec has gone 7-2 since he relieved Chris Mason with a total record now of 8-5-2 with a NHL 2nd best GAA of 1.70 and save% of .948.
Over the course of the last eight games he's stopped 253 of 262 shots and blanked Washington and Montreal. He was named 1st star of the week last week for the NHL and he's still on fire.
Over the off season the Thrashers signed veteran goaltender Chris Mason to fill out the tandem of stoppers for the team and also acquired the services of Clint Marlachuk as goaltending "consultant". I was pretty convinced, based on last years performance, that Chris Mason was being brought in to be the #1 stopper and mentor to Pavelec. Then Ramsay had Pavelec starting the season against Washington and just 2:25 into the game Pavelec fainted and Mason had to take over.
Chris Mason filled in for the next 9 games and did an admirable job, especially given the amount of rubber that was flying at him each and every night. When Pavelec came back he of course, had a bit of rocky start, after all he had to get back to game shape.
Then came the game against the Panthers...you guys remember it...the game where the team literally gave up in the 2nd period. The game where Craig Ramsay called out the players afterward for their efforts. Well they came out in the 3rd period and tried to rally but it was just not enough time to get the job done.
Since that game several things have happened, among them we named Andrew Ladd as captain, the team started playing...can you believe it?? A TEAM GAME and last Ondrej Pavelec caught fire and it's harder to get a puck past him than it is to get dawn past a rooster.
I said all of that....to say this....Is Ondrej Pavelec the fulfillment of the promise that Kari Lehtonen was supposed to be?
Kari was picked in the first round and was to become the man here in Atlanta with superstar written all over him. The big Finn never materialized as the dominant stopper that all had believed he could be. With the exception of the 2006-2007 season he never completed a season without a prolonged absence for injury. He certainly stole some games for us during his tenure with Atlanta, but all Atlanta fans I believe would speak in unison in stating that overall Kari was a dissapointment.
I know it's early...and I realize that any goalie can catch fire and just be unstoppable for a period of games..and maybe it's too early to say for sure...but it's not too early to ask if perhaps Pavelec is all the Lehtonen was supposed to be. He's certainly looking great so far this year. Is this just a hot streak??....I'm inclined to say no...
I think he could cool off some, but I don't think he'll get ice cold at all. He looks more positionally sound this year...he's not leaning forward on his skates, which causes a goalie's ankles to lock, making it much harder to make saves at times. He's staying square to the puck and he's not giving up nearly the amount of second chances so far. I think that Clint Marlachuk is certainly having an impact on the play of the young Czech stopper and his ability to play top level hockey.
So my question is...do you think that Pavelec is just hot now...or is this the product we were promised so long ago with Kari Lehtonen finally coming to fruition?
Over the course of the last eight games he's stopped 253 of 262 shots and blanked Washington and Montreal. He was named 1st star of the week last week for the NHL and he's still on fire.
Over the off season the Thrashers signed veteran goaltender Chris Mason to fill out the tandem of stoppers for the team and also acquired the services of Clint Marlachuk as goaltending "consultant". I was pretty convinced, based on last years performance, that Chris Mason was being brought in to be the #1 stopper and mentor to Pavelec. Then Ramsay had Pavelec starting the season against Washington and just 2:25 into the game Pavelec fainted and Mason had to take over.
Chris Mason filled in for the next 9 games and did an admirable job, especially given the amount of rubber that was flying at him each and every night. When Pavelec came back he of course, had a bit of rocky start, after all he had to get back to game shape.
Then came the game against the Panthers...you guys remember it...the game where the team literally gave up in the 2nd period. The game where Craig Ramsay called out the players afterward for their efforts. Well they came out in the 3rd period and tried to rally but it was just not enough time to get the job done.
Since that game several things have happened, among them we named Andrew Ladd as captain, the team started playing...can you believe it?? A TEAM GAME and last Ondrej Pavelec caught fire and it's harder to get a puck past him than it is to get dawn past a rooster.
I said all of that....to say this....Is Ondrej Pavelec the fulfillment of the promise that Kari Lehtonen was supposed to be?
Kari was picked in the first round and was to become the man here in Atlanta with superstar written all over him. The big Finn never materialized as the dominant stopper that all had believed he could be. With the exception of the 2006-2007 season he never completed a season without a prolonged absence for injury. He certainly stole some games for us during his tenure with Atlanta, but all Atlanta fans I believe would speak in unison in stating that overall Kari was a dissapointment.
I know it's early...and I realize that any goalie can catch fire and just be unstoppable for a period of games..and maybe it's too early to say for sure...but it's not too early to ask if perhaps Pavelec is all the Lehtonen was supposed to be. He's certainly looking great so far this year. Is this just a hot streak??....I'm inclined to say no...
I think he could cool off some, but I don't think he'll get ice cold at all. He looks more positionally sound this year...he's not leaning forward on his skates, which causes a goalie's ankles to lock, making it much harder to make saves at times. He's staying square to the puck and he's not giving up nearly the amount of second chances so far. I think that Clint Marlachuk is certainly having an impact on the play of the young Czech stopper and his ability to play top level hockey.
So my question is...do you think that Pavelec is just hot now...or is this the product we were promised so long ago with Kari Lehtonen finally coming to fruition?
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