Thrashers Poor Play Sinking Playoff Chances

by The Falconer on Nov 8, 2009 3:54 AM EST Comment 12 comments

Atlanta Thrashers' Tobias Enstrom (39), of Sweden, moves the puck away from the goal guarded by Thrashers goalie Johan Hedberg (1), also of Sweden, as New York Islanders' Nate Thompson (11) skates in from behind during the third period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009, in Uniondale, N.Y. The Islanders defeatedt the Thrashers 6-3. (AP Photo/Kathy Kmonicek)

3 months ago: Atlanta Thrashers' Tobias Enstrom (39), of Sweden, moves the puck away from the goal guarded by Thrashers goalie Johan Hedberg (1), also of Sweden, as New York Islanders' Nate Thompson (11) skates in from behind during the third period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009, in Uniondale, N.Y. The Islanders defeatedt the Thrashers 6-3. (AP Photo/Kathy Kmonicek)

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Last night the Atlanta Thrashers bodies traveled to Long Island New York, but they left their competitive spirit back in Georgia. It was a pathetic effort in which they were repeated beaten to loose pucks and simply did not put forth the effort level required to win a NHL hockey game. This stinker of a road game comes on top of a recent home stand in which they showed the same problem in nearly every first period.

Now I understand that losing superstar and Captain Ilya Kovalchuk hurts the team's offensive production--but the problem hasn't been a lack of offensive. The problem is a lack of compete, a lack of intensity and a lack of determination. The Thrashers players need to look in the mirror and ask themselves if they really want the playoffs or not. Because if they don't dig deeper and work hard they're going to fall out of contention while Kovalchuk is healing.

When Kovalchuk went down my expectations were modest--if the team could just play close to .500 hockey they could tread water until their star player returned to the roster. Right now the Thrashers are not treading water they are slipping under. If they don't kick harder, the opportunity for post-season play be to far away when Ilya comes back.

The lack of leadership shown by assistant captain Vyacheslav Kozlov is a big problem. Zach Bogosian has really stepped up his offensive contributions with Kovalchuk out of the lineup. But Kozlov has been Missing In Action night after night. He needs to lower that shoulder and drive to the net more. He needs stop passing up shot opportunities and that puck. I've seen Kozlov do these things in the past, either Father Time has finally caught up to Kozlov or he just isn't working hard enough.

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Sunday's game

should say a lot about their desire.

by antbogey on Nov 8, 2009 9:41 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Poor play

I don’t know why the Thrashers let themselves get behind two-four goals and then try a comeback.

Falconer,
What do you think about the goaltending situation? Should they call Legace up?

by BTF on Nov 8, 2009 10:28 AM EST via mobile reply actions 0 recs

Manny Legace is property of the Chicago Wolves, not the Atlanta Thrashers. We’d have to sign him first.

I highly doubt anything happens with our goaltending until Kari returns.

by timmyf on Nov 8, 2009 11:04 AM EST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, what he said. I expect Hedberg will start today.

All things Thrashers + stats: www.birdwatchersanonymous.com

by The Falconer on Nov 8, 2009 11:49 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

sink or swim

this game some how feels like a pivotal one.

by dennylambert!! on Nov 8, 2009 12:22 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I'm going to the game but

I think the place will be pretty empty…

by antbogey on Nov 8, 2009 2:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

according to my ATL Spirit friend

sales for this game were much better than they were for the CBJ game.

by dennylambert!! on Nov 8, 2009 4:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Good turnout!

I was surprised. There seemed to be a lot of people that wandered over from the Falcons game. My wife was at the game Thursday too and she said the attendance was a bit better than Thursday. It’s good to be wrong!

by antbogey on Nov 8, 2009 8:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I won't be at the game...

I’ve been sick this weekend and don’t feel well enough to make it. Very unhappy. I typically only miss games if I’m out of state.

Ugh.

by timmyf on Nov 8, 2009 3:09 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Legace

Well, for those who thought getting Legace to help out in goal, it’s too late now, he’s been signed by the Hurricanes, I guess to replce the spot left open by Ward’s injury

by Ga Hockey on Nov 9, 2009 1:26 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Too Early to call it quits

Seems kind of defeatist to call the season over this early. As true fans we should be exstatic we are above .500 this late in the season. once we get Kovy back, things should turn around now that the guys have shown that they can actually win games without him, and Kovy will be back before the Caps Ovechkin, so that;ll help too.

by Ga Hockey on Nov 9, 2009 1:27 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

ovechkin lied

he could return this week. i think what people are saying is that although our results havent been too bad, although not the greatest, the playing has had many flaws the past couple of games. the games against NYI and CBJ were just horrible defensively. if that keeps up, we will consistently have to score 4, 5, or 6 goals to get points and do so without kovy. however, it seemed we played a much tighter game last night so hopefully that continues.

by dennylambert!! on Nov 9, 2009 5:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

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