Welcome to Blue Land - An Atlanta Thrashers Dynasty (NHL 2K8)

[mzator21]

Atlanta Thrashers Fire Long Time GM Don Waddell, Hire Detroit Assistant GM Jim Nill

It was announced today that the Atlanta Thrashers fired GM Don Waddell, and immediately replaced him with Jim Nill. Jim Nill was the assistant general manager in Detroit and has been partly responsible for the success the Detroit Red Wings franchise has had over the last few years. The hope is that he will bring the same winning attitude and environment to the Atlanta Thrashers franchise.

"I felt it was time to move in a different direction. Thrashers fans deserve playoff hockey every year, not just once where we are quickly dispatched in the first round" said owner Bruce Levenson in a statement.

It was widely believed that Nill would remain with the Red Wings, but in the last few days, rumors began circulating indicating that Nill had changed his mind and that he was open to job offers.

"When the Thrashers job became available, it was an opportunity that I could not pass up. They are a young franchise that I hope to build into an annual cup contender"

It will be a tough road ahead for Nill as the season is only weeks away from beginning.

Notes: John Anderson will remain coach along with assistants Randy Cunneyworth, Todd Nelson and Steve Weeks

"I believe the coaching staff from last season did a marvelous job with the group of players they had at their disposal. I hope to bring some more grit to this group which was sorely lacking last season" said Nill at his press conference.

When asked about the lack of a legitimate number one centerman for superstar sniper Ilya Kovalchuk, Nill replied: "Kovie is an awesome talent who has scored at least 40 goals each season. Imagine what he could do with a number one centerman." Let the speculation begin...

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Hey, I hope you like my franchise. I will be doing game recaps, happenings around the NHL (trades, hot/cold streaks, free agent signings, news pieces, etc.) and team and league stats. I will post the recap from the first game of the season along with any trades or free agent signings I made before the season began.

I will be playing this dynasty on NHL 2K8, which I have been having a lot of fun with lately.

[onlybygrace]

Nice...I'm also playing my dynasty on 2k8 as well.

[onlybygrace]

Very good trade. Curious to see how it works out for ya.

[onlybygrace]

Have you found sliders you like? Cause I'd be willing to give you mine...they are difficult. You gotta work to win.

[mzator21]

Yes, I have found sliders I like. But I would be willing to try yours. PM them to me.

[mzator21]

Briere, Kovalchuk Lead Thrashers to First Win of The Season

(0-0-0) Atlanta Thrashers - 5
(0-0-0) Washington Capitals - 2

Kovalchuk Goal (1)
Briere Goal (1), 5 Shots
Stuart Goal (1)
White Goal (1)

Nylander 2 Goals (1, 2)

Pavelec (1-0-0) 24 Saves
Theodore (0-1-0) 27 Saves

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NHL News & Notes
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- Atlanta Thrashers claim Milan Jurcina off waivers from Washington

- Dallas Stars claim Anders Eriksson off waivers from Calgary

- PIT Sidney Crosby (3 G, 2 A), PHX Peter Mueller (3 G, 1 A), FLA Jay Bouwmeester (1 G, 4 A) and COL Peter Budaj (2 W, 1 SO) were named the NHL Players of the Week

Next Game for Atlanta : @ TB

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Biron Strong In Net, But Cannot Get Past Shootout
Stamkos, Armstrong Each Score a Pair
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(0-1-0) Tampa Bay Lightning - 4
(1-0-0) Atlanta Thrashers - 3 (Final SO)

Armstrong 2 Goals (1, 2)
Briere Goal (2), 3 Shots
Kovalchuk 1 Assist, 6 Shots

St. Louis Goal (1)
Stamkos 2 Goals (1, 2)
Ranger 2 Assists

Szczechura Shootout Winner (11th round of the shootout)

Biron (0-0-1) 32 Saves
Smith (1-1-0) 23 Saves

Next Game: At Home vs Ottawa Senators (3-0-1)

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Thrashers News + Notes
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The Briere trade appears to be a success early on as he has recorded 2 goals in his first two games. Kovalchuk has looked dangerous in each of his two games, and Briere has been noticeable in each game as well. The third member of the line, Bryan Little has not been his usual dangerous self after scoring over 30 goals last season, but that could be the case of a young player learning a new centerman.

Colby Armstrong playing right wing on the third line with Marty Reasoner and Rich Peverley is now leading the team in overall points with 3 (2 G, 1 A). His two goals last game, however, were not enough to lead the Thrashers to victory.

Todd White playing center on the second line has not been winning many faceoffs, so as a result his line has not been particularly effective. White has to start upping his faceoff percentage if he hopes to remain on the second line.

Finally, the tandem of Ondrej Pavelec and Martin Biron have split both games, with Pavelec winning one and Biron losing in a shootout (Biron, however had a solid night). Pavelec, presently has the number one job.

[onlybygrace]

This looks really good. It looks a lot like my format...I like it.

I'll write em down and send em to you later. (settings)

[mzator21]

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Thrashers Cannot Get Past Shootout Again
Claw back from 3-1 in third period, gain one point
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(3-0-1) Ottawa Senators - 4
(1-0-1) Atlanta Thrashers - 3 (Final SO)

Kovalchuk 2 Goals (2, 3)
White Goal (2)

Pavelec (1-0-1) 37 saves on 40 shots

Alfredsson 2 goals (3, 4)
Kuba Goal (2)

Senators were 2/3 on the powerplay

Leclaire (3-0-1) 42 saves on 45 shots

Notes: Todd White continues to struggle in the faceoff dot, only winning 20% of his draws on the season. Briere on the other hand is around 48% on his draws.

The shootout, once bread and butter for the Thrashers has now hit a snag as they have lost the last two games in shootout.

Next Up: Buffalo Sabres at HSBC Arena
Biron (0-0-1) is expected to get his second start of the season as it is the second half of a back to back.