Some quick numbers for you to ponder…
- The Thrashers rank sixth in the NHL in 5-on-5 goals scored (137 or 2.11 per game).
- The Thrashers rank 18th in the NHL in power-play goals scored (45) and 22nd in PP% (16.8%).
- The Thrashers have given up the 8th most power-play goals (54) and rank 21st in the NHL in PK % (80.3%).
- The Thrashers have been short-handed the 10th most times in the NHL (274) and have had the 10th most power plays (267).
- The Thrashers rank 16th in NHL in 5-on-5 Goals For/Goals Against, giving up 1.03 goals for every goal they score 5-on-5.
Last night the Thrashers scored multiple power-play goals in a game for the first time since December 13 versus Dallas (a span of 36 games) and has given up at least one power-play goal in 10 straight games. None of the teams in the bottom 10 in the NHL in both the PK and PP are in playoff positions.
It’s no wonder that GM Don Waddell told Chris Vivlamore that special teams are one of the keys to this team’s struggles.
Ya the special teams for this team has been struggling since December. It was the main reason I think we lost all those games in a row back then too. If we don’t hire a new coach for next season then I at least want a new assistant coach or something who can come in a fix our special teams. It’s what’s holding this young group of guys back.
I agree Barry. We’ve got to find somebody who can get the power-play going with Little and Bergfors up front and Bogosian at the point with Enstrom. These four guys are the future of the team and too often I’m stuck seeing Pevs, Antro, and Max up front with Kubina or Hainsey in back.
I feel bad tossing in the towel like this, but maybe it’s time to give the young guys a chance even if it means some losses durring the learning curve. Little and Bogo showed potential last year when the both broke out, but they’ve been stuck on the bench all season at times when they could have been learning.
I’m going to have to strongly disagree with you on Antropov John. He’s the most effective weapon we have on the PP and it would be a mistake to take him off of it. He’s signed for three more years, so he isn’t going anywhere, and that’s a good thing. He’s been the most consistent forward on the team all season.
Very true Ben, Antro is the best offensive weapon on the team, but Kane, Little, and Bergfors all have a huge upside and I think they all have the potential to be even better if given the chance. I mean come on Little had 31 goals last year but now sees second PP unit time at best.
You can continue to play the vets and hope they can vault you into the playoffs, or you can look towards the future and start giving the young guys like Kane and Little a chance.
I’m glad Antropov is part of the team for the future as well, but he isnt who they should build the team around.
Anderson is the only coach who coaches special teams. Stop by practice sometime. He works with the first PP team while the 2nd team and all other coaches twiddle their thumbs, literally. It grinds to a standstill. Then Anderson moves to work with the 2nd team and the first team…and all the other coaches… twiddle their thumbs. It has tob e by his direction. Never seen such micromanagement before, especially with 3 other trained asst. coaches (two of whom played in the NHL) ready and available.
Special teams are not functioning…haven’t been even since before Kovy left…and Anderson’s completely responsible for their practice execution. Makes it real obvious where the buck should be stopping, IMO.
I’d say send down Chelly, call up Kulda, and finish the seson with Pavelec in goal for the final stretch. Give Bogo, Little, and Bergfors more ice time (and Evander whenever he comes back) and let them learn for next season.
Let the young guys grow and stop focusing on the playoffs. The season is over. Period. Stop chasing the dream of making the playoffs that died two weeks ago and start focusing on next year.
Play Pavs in net and the young guys on the ice and give us some hope John Anderson. And for the love of god, please send smelly Chelly home to Chicago.
well what can we do ben. nothing. if the team wants it bad they well get better if not well ill enjoy watching the playoffs on TV……again
I know that the entrances into the offensive zones have been hampering the power play without Kovy. So I think that Afinogenov should take the puck and enter the zone, but not stop at the blueline!!! Take the puck in deep, set up the forwards down low, the center in front of the net, and the two point-men at the blueline. Solid.
Antropov is the catalyst for the PP. He must remain and is the basis for our success on the PP in the future. Our problem on the PP is two-fold:
1. Zone entrance and set-up
2. Lack of shots. Whether they get to the net or not the puck has to be shot. Garbage goals count too. Some teams live on them and oddly enough most teams like this find themselves in possession of a playoff spot currently.