Thus far the season has been a tale of two teams for Atlanta. On the road the Thrashers have gotten great goaltending and timely scoring. They have often played with a lead. At home the team has started off slow in every game and fallen short despite terrific third periods rally attempts. Will this trend continue tonight?

The teams that picked in the top four of the 2009 NHL Draft (Islanders, Tampa, Colorado and Thrashers) have all improved significantly so far this season. The Islanders are far ahead of last year's pace and within hailing distance of the playoffs right now, while Atlanta and Tampa sit tied for the final berth (see below).

The leading scorers on the Islanders are youngsters Tavares adn Okposo and 26 year old hockey journeyman Matt Moulson. The Islanders have an interesting mix of emerging young talent and some greybeards (Doug Weight). Can they stay in the hunt all year?

For more of the Islanders check out Lighthouse Hockey

East Standings (points above .500)

1. +8 Pittsburgh
2. +6 Washington
3. +6 Buffalo
4. +6 New Jersey
5. +4 Philadelphia
   
6. +4 NY Rangers
   
7. +3 Ottawa
8. +1 Atlanta
   
9. +1 Tampa
10. 0 Montreal
    
11. -1 NY Islanders
12. -1 Boston
    
13. -3 Florida
14. -5 Toronto
15. -8 Carolina