Post by atlantagm on Dec 14, 2015 4:33:33 GMT
Atlanta Journal Constitution -- Pittsburgh, PA
It's been only a few short weeks since the GHL office has transferred full management responsibility of the Atlanta Thrashers to veteran general manager Joseph Papp, but so far the results on-ice have been anything but a honeymoon. The Thrashers have been mired in a 6-game losing streak, including a tough OT loss at home to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
"The coincidence is uncanny, but the fans of Atlanta should know that I am here to build a winner" the new general manager indicated. "For too long, Atlanta has not had the experience necessary in the front office to bridge the gap between being a good team and being a great team. This path requires patience, knowledge, a tremendous work ethic, and a little luck. And it's not limited to me -- everyone in the office will be held accountable to that, because that is what greatness demands" he said.
While the lip service might be suitable for his first few weeks at the helm, it remains to be seen if these results would concern some of the players.
"We didn't know much about him, but he's come to us and talked with the team. It's unfortunate that we went on this losing streak thereafter, but I don't think they are related" captain Andrew Ladd told AP. "He told us that while he has a vision for the future, he wouldn't be looking to impatiently scrap this current group in one fell swoop. It sounded like evaluations would occur first and we're trying to ensure he has good tape on everyone. It just hasn't worked out so far" he bemoaned.
It certainly is one thing to lose to teams like Pittsburgh on the road, but to lose winnable home games in January doesn't bode well. They find themselves 11 points out of the final playoff spot with nearly 60% of the season played out -- the odds are stacked against them. However, head coach Gerry Meehan wouldn't throw in the towel.
"Its not over until its over; while that's a terrible cliche you'll hear from a lot of coaches, its absolutely true. We are in charge of our own destiny. The fact is, the guys in the room know what is at stake not only with the season, but with a new management team that is evaluating them" he offered. "Truth be told, I have been in this position before, and I've been in HIS position before. When I worked with Scotty [Bowman] in the 80s and 90s, the Sabres went through a similar path. While he may be new to the job, it sounds like he wants to attract the top talent and keep the guys here who can be part of a brighter future. Its up to the players on the ice, today, to show they can be a part of that."
It remains to be seen how well the team will respond after this tough losing streak. The Thrashers next game is against the New Jersey Devils, on the road. This is a team in a similar situation in the standings and could be considered must win.
"Certainly the boys will approach it that way. I don't think anyone is happy with how the past few weeks have gone on the ice. It's up to us to get out of it, one shift at a time" said Head Coach Gerry Meehan.
It's been only a few short weeks since the GHL office has transferred full management responsibility of the Atlanta Thrashers to veteran general manager Joseph Papp, but so far the results on-ice have been anything but a honeymoon. The Thrashers have been mired in a 6-game losing streak, including a tough OT loss at home to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
"The coincidence is uncanny, but the fans of Atlanta should know that I am here to build a winner" the new general manager indicated. "For too long, Atlanta has not had the experience necessary in the front office to bridge the gap between being a good team and being a great team. This path requires patience, knowledge, a tremendous work ethic, and a little luck. And it's not limited to me -- everyone in the office will be held accountable to that, because that is what greatness demands" he said.
While the lip service might be suitable for his first few weeks at the helm, it remains to be seen if these results would concern some of the players.
"We didn't know much about him, but he's come to us and talked with the team. It's unfortunate that we went on this losing streak thereafter, but I don't think they are related" captain Andrew Ladd told AP. "He told us that while he has a vision for the future, he wouldn't be looking to impatiently scrap this current group in one fell swoop. It sounded like evaluations would occur first and we're trying to ensure he has good tape on everyone. It just hasn't worked out so far" he bemoaned.
It certainly is one thing to lose to teams like Pittsburgh on the road, but to lose winnable home games in January doesn't bode well. They find themselves 11 points out of the final playoff spot with nearly 60% of the season played out -- the odds are stacked against them. However, head coach Gerry Meehan wouldn't throw in the towel.
"Its not over until its over; while that's a terrible cliche you'll hear from a lot of coaches, its absolutely true. We are in charge of our own destiny. The fact is, the guys in the room know what is at stake not only with the season, but with a new management team that is evaluating them" he offered. "Truth be told, I have been in this position before, and I've been in HIS position before. When I worked with Scotty [Bowman] in the 80s and 90s, the Sabres went through a similar path. While he may be new to the job, it sounds like he wants to attract the top talent and keep the guys here who can be part of a brighter future. Its up to the players on the ice, today, to show they can be a part of that."
It remains to be seen how well the team will respond after this tough losing streak. The Thrashers next game is against the New Jersey Devils, on the road. This is a team in a similar situation in the standings and could be considered must win.
"Certainly the boys will approach it that way. I don't think anyone is happy with how the past few weeks have gone on the ice. It's up to us to get out of it, one shift at a time" said Head Coach Gerry Meehan.
i'll be doing it all on friday as its teh only day off I have at the moment. Sorry, we are down people and its long late shifts at teh moment. 