Hard Times in Blueland: Atlanta Thrashers Seek an Answer

Ten days ago, the Atlanta Thrashers sacked head coach Bob Hartley after an abysmal 0-6 start.

Personally, I really liked Hartley as our head coach. Each and every year, he managed to improve the team's record.

This past year, the Thrashers finally clinched their first Southeast Division title, and their first postseason berth.

That was apparently the beginning of the end for Hartley.

The Thrashers were swept in the first round of the playoffs by the New York Rangers, making for a 10-game losing streak between the two seasons.

Ouch.

When Thrashers GM Don Waddell decided to axe Hartley, I responded with this blog entry on the Atlanta Journal-Constitution website:

Today, the Thrashers fired the wrong man. Coach Hartley, I hope I say this for the many other citizens of Blueland when I say this: Thanks for all that you've done for this team and this community. Blueland will never forget you.

Don, I supported your arrival here in Blueland as GM as you had some good connections as Assistant GM up in Hockeytown (aka Detroit). Though I've questioned your moves here and there in the past, you've always had my support. Today, you have officially lost my support for good.

You fired a man of class, a proven winner and a coach who goes above and beyond to reach out to the community. Shame on you!  Look in the mirror! You're the one who put this "team" together in the first place. AND YOU SAY THAT THIS TEAM IS BETTER THAN LAST YEAR'S???  BALONEY!!!

I finished my little soapbox diatribe with this:

Today is a very difficult time to be a Thrasher fan.

So, after 10 days, is it still a difficult time to be a Thrasher fan?

Yes and no.

As it stands, Don Waddell is still in charge—both in the front office and behind the bench. But Atlanta is starting to find their winning ways.

The Thrashers are 3-2 in the last five games. Goalie Johan Hedberg is giving the team a chance to win on a nightly basis, and Ilya Kovalchuk is starting to look like the complete player he's supposed to be.

What will make things better in Blueland (other than Don's dismissal)?

How about a new head coach, for starters?

Pat Quinn has been mentioned as a candidate in the past; he played part of his NHL career in Atlanta as a Flame, and has had coaching success wherever he's gone.

Another name that pops up is John Anderson. He's currently coaching the Thrashers' AHL affiliate in Chicago, but has brought plenty of winning to the Wolves (two Turner Cups, one Calder Cup), and knows many of the players on the current Thrashers roster.

The season is still young, but Atlanta'd better not wait too much longer to make a move. Otherwise, last year's success will be seen as a fluke—and Blueland will be feeling just that:

Blue.