A Thrashers winning streak…what is it?
If I had told you just two weeks ago the Atlanta Thrashers would today be one of the hottest…if not THE hottest…teams in the NHL, you would have sworn I was hitting the holiday spirits a little soon. They had just dropped a tough one to Florida, had lost three straight and six of their last seven. They were playing sloppy, making critical mistakes too often and dropping stinkers on the ice regularly.
Many thought they could improve and play better as a team eventually. But seeing teams like the Caps, Detroit, Montreal and Boston on the horizon…well, things looked like they wouldn’t be getting too much better any time soon. And as for any discussion of taking five consecutive by a combined score of 19-3…well, surely you can’t be serious.
But as it turns out, that’s exactly what they’ve done…and don’t call me Shirley.
Yes, the Thrashers have treated their fans to some of the best hockey ever seen around these parts. In contrast to what we’ve become accustomed to around here for the past several years… it’s an entirely a different style of hockey, altogether.
everyone at the same time… “It’s an entirely a different style of hockey”.
As you’ve probably noticed, ever since this team started the five-game winning streak the good people of Thrasherville have been happy and have noticed thing they’ve never new were there before; Birds singing, dew glistening on a newly formed leaf… stoplights.
Admittedly though, the recent run of great play and team-oriented hockey has left me shaken and disturbed, and all the questions keep coming up over and over again, like bubbles in a case of club soda.
Can they continue to get the same kind of consistent, disciplined performance from all players?
Can Ondrej Pavelec…now 6-4-2 with a 1.62 GAA, .949 SV% and 2 shutouts…maintain that level of excellence?
Will wonder-kid Alex Burmistrov be ready to go tonight after the hit he took Sunday?
How much more can they expect from Dustin Byfuglien, who now leads the team with 25 overall points, (9 goals & 16 assists) and is a +4.
Can this squad continue to outperform their opposition…even when it’s fourth and fifteen and your looking at a full court press.
Can they, when the whole crew is up against it, and the breaks are beating the boys…can they get out there and give it all they’ve got and win just one for the Zipper?
Honestly…shrugs…I dunno.
But if there is a sure fire way to keep this winning streak going, it’s this: score goals and stop others from scoring on you. Or stop other teams from scoring then score yourself, whichever way you wanna do it. Just remember the two key elements here…score more goals and don’t allow them to score as many.
Of course, statistics show they’ve only got a 50/50 chance of continuing the streak…though there’s only a 10% chance of that. But it’s a chance they’ll just have to take, win or lose. After all, you take a chance getting up in the morning, crossing the street or sticking your face in a fan.
Following their successful homestand, the Thrashers boarded a chartered airplane Monday and winged their way westward where they’ll try to keep their winning ways going away from Philips Arena. They’ll begin a three-game road trip starting Tuesday night in Denver against the 13-9-1 Colorado Avalanche. The Avs currently are tied with Vancouver for the Northwest Division lead, both with 27 points. And I’m sure you all join me in saying to the Thrashers…”Good luck. We’re all counting on you”.
That, and let’s certainly hope no one ate the fish as their in-flight meal, instead opting for the steak.
Given the choice between the two…I would have had lasagna.
After their date with the Avalanche, Atlanta will then head to Pittsburgh and Washington later in the week to try and impose the smell of fear upon the Penguins and Capitals.
And now in closing, and to show our support for the Thrashers and our country…let’s all rise and sing our National Anthem.
…ahem…
“Oh say can you see…by the dawn’s early light. What so proudly we hail…in the twilight’s last gleaming? Whose bright stripes and broad stars…in the perilous night…for the ramparts we watched…uh, da-da-da-da-da-daaaa. And the rocket’s red glare…lots of bombs in the air…gave proof to the [Knights!], that we still had our flag. Oh say does that flag banner wave…over a-a-all that’s free. And the home of the land…and the land of the – FREE!”
Today’s blog entry is dedicated to the memory of Leslie Nielsen who past away Sunday at the age of 84. Most of us remember Nielsen for his comedic roles in Airplane as well as The Naked Gun, however he was a dramatic actor prior to turning to comedy. Among other roles, he also portrayed Captain Harrison in The Poseidon Adventure. Before his career in acting, he served in the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Thank you for all the laughs, Leslie. May you rest in peace.
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169 comments Add your comment
iamtheratio
December 1st, 2010
12:01 am
It looks like we have absolutely nothing left in the tank. I guess the mountains and the time change is taking a bit of a toll. Plus the Avs are pumping the pressure.
Come on Thrash, you got this! Pick it up!
kristian Nielsen
December 1st, 2010
12:01 am
Ice man,
I will try to be as friendly as possible but you spelled Leslie’s last name wrong. A very common mistake. It is not Nielson it is Nielsen. Anyways the Thrash are playing great. Party on.
Tom
December 1st, 2010
12:26 am
OMG Buff owned that puck to get it to Stewart for the OT game winner! Huge 2 point for the boys.
iamtheratio
December 1st, 2010
12:27 am
I like winning these hard battles, it reminds the team that every win wont be 5-1, 5-0, 3-0. LOVE IT.
Go Thrashers!
SomaAtl95
December 1st, 2010
12:29 am
“Buffy the shot block slayer” ties it and assists on the win! What a nerve racking win this one was! GO THRASHERS!!!
Rawhide
December 1st, 2010
12:34 am
kristian Nielsen – Thank you for the catch…I’ve corrected the post.
As for the game…all I got to say right now is WOW! Stewart with a great turnaround game winner in OT after they killed off an Avs PP. The Buffinator with another clutch goal to tie it a 2-2 and Opie had another great game.
6 Thrashers wins in a row…surely you can’t be serious
More later..
Darren
December 1st, 2010
12:43 am
Stewart just went out there and won one against the Yipper.
LAC
December 1st, 2010
12:46 am
Great start, slowed in 2nd and hung on in the third. But EXCELLENT PK and gritty WIN… Nice
We jump over NYR into 6th, it would be MTL if stayed like that.
I get a kick out of the Norris, For defensemen, they seem to need to score to win… Funny isn’t it !
But Buff is in the lead !!!!!
Smoothie
December 1st, 2010
12:54 am
Bill, take a night off man! You’ve been working too damn hard during the holidays! Just let the satisfaction of the hard-fought win just wash over you as you stare at the back of your eyelids and drift off to sleep! I know I gotta throw in the towel after too many late nites in a row. This blogging will wear yo azz out!! Lemme tell ya!
litz
December 1st, 2010
1:01 am
This game, if anything, showcases the “never quit” grit this current team has.
Clearly out of gas, and with Colorado pushing like hell, there was no give, and no give up.
End result? 1 pt for OT, and another for the win.
Games like this can only help us in the spring.
Cornbread
December 1st, 2010
1:03 am
This is what a Thrasahers winning streak is, 6 in a row!
Wow! Two similar quick and scrappy teams. I’ve been waiting for this match-up because I think CO and ATL have a lot in common, two teams no one expected to play well in the past year but are young, skilled, and well coached that are defying the prognosticators. The team that is playing better won, on the road even!
The Thrashers let-up later in the 2nd and 3rd was not unexpected. Anyone who has been out to the mountains knows how it effects you physically. To do it once a season without acclimatization even more so. Great game by Pavs and a great team game by all the Thrashers. What a game winner by Stewart! You know his brother had to crack a smile on that one.
I expect the Thrashers will have the lungs and legs to compete with Pitt on Thursday. Going from a mile high to 1,000 feet above sea level gives you wings.
James Brown
December 1st, 2010
1:03 am
Big Buf is the heart and soul of this team……the man has a shot that people are getting out of the way of………………………ties the game late in the 3rd and has the assist on the winner in OT……..Big Buf is a badass!!!!!
litz
December 1st, 2010
1:41 am
Thank you, 680 — someone’s FINALLY listened !
http://blogs.ajc.com/radio-tv-talk/2010/11/30/680the-fan-adds-simulcast-on-fm-dial-at-93-7/?cxntlid=thbz_hm
Atlanta’s Northside can now actually listen to hockey games!
Alan R.
December 1st, 2010
1:48 am
Atlanta
’s Northsidecan now actually listen to hockey games!*idly whistles, as the only apparent Southside commenter on these blogs*
litz
December 1st, 2010
1:52 am
Yeah, well … Atlanta’s Southside can actually pick up 680 …
Heck, you can almost hear it — at night — in Macon.
But get 1 inch north of I-285 … zilch.
Hockey Biltong
December 1st, 2010
1:54 am
Avalanche competed very well. Fast like us, with a quick counter attack…Peverly and Sopel had good games, besides Buff and Pavalec.
A great game to watch. Duchene really turned it on at the end.
I hope Kane is ok?!?!?!?
Alan R.
December 1st, 2010
1:58 am
Atlanta’s Southside can actually pick up 680 …
Heck, you can almost hear it — at night — in Macon.
I live 10 miles south of 285.
I don’t get it at my house. At all. Unless you count a lot of loud static as receiving 680 reception.
I can barely hear it in a car, even just inside the perimeter at the Crown Rd. post office.
Maybe on a very very (very) clear night, you can get more than just static while going under bridges. I’m pretty sure there’s someone around these parts who recently ventured forth into my neck of the woods who can attest to my statements
litz
December 1st, 2010
2:21 am
Huh … must’ve been some freaky atmospheric stuff the sunday before thansgiving; was able to listen to the game ’til about halfway to macon when it disappeared into static.
Nonetheless — the FM simulcast is a very, very welcome change.
We NEED that radio coverage to try and gain some fan support!
Looking at the projected coverage for that channel, it should easily reach north to Marietta and Roswell, and possibly as far as Rome/Gainesville.
Southside coverage should be a similar distance, southward, so should make it well into south fulton/forsyth … maybe into Henry county as well.
Thrashers27
December 1st, 2010
3:17 am
Not the prettiest effort ever, but a win nonetheless. Good job boys. Now, let’s see that team we all know can dominate on Thursday. Send “Cindy” home cryin’ to his momma.
Tony C.
December 1st, 2010
4:44 am
Glad to see us squeak that one out-definitely not a lot to put on the season highlight reel, but a gutsy win and tremendous from a momentum point of view, going out and getting the two points on the road.
My major concern tonight was our sudden and thorough lack of cohesion on the power play-got to give props to the Colorado PK, but our power play was craptacular from our 2nd PP on. I’m sure Coach has already made mention of it, and will again at practice-but they just seemed to be too cavalier with entry and once there, lost all the poise and patience we’d seen from the special teams unit the past 3 games. Again, a lot of credit deserves to go to the Avs penalty-kill, but our PP has been the one area we’ve had as a constant this season-I don’t want to loose it.
Ok. Now that that is out of the way, let’s get back to celebrating a nice fat “W” and 2 points on the big board!
Great sense of will-to-win rising from our boys….very interested in how they fare over the rest of the week-going into PGH and WSH…This is a Thrashers team that never counts itself out and seemingly always has just enough left in the tank. Recently, they’ve learned to play with a lead-these next two games offer us the opportunity to learn how to go into the other guys’ barn and take the 2 points with us on our way out!
Sara
December 1st, 2010
6:58 am
I’m pretty sure there’s someone around these parts who recently ventured forth into my neck of the woods who can attest to my statements.
You actually convinced someone to travel below 285? What insane person would do that?
Alan R.
December 1st, 2010
7:22 am
Huh … must’ve been some freaky atmospheric stuff the sunday before thansgiving
Back in the late 80s (I wanna say 89), I got one of those “make 50 things in one” electronics kits for Christmas. I built a transistor radio, and received a Detroit AM station that was broadcasting a Wings game. As a kid, I really loved that. Never got it to happen again, no matter how hard I willed it to, but the 50 minutes of broadcast time was the best “almost Christmas” present ever.
Anything can happen, at any time, in any place. Don’t be fooled, though, as I was never able to do that again! I think the underlying fact here, is that 680’s AM band sucks royally, and an FM station or boosted signal strength was really needed.
Matt
December 1st, 2010
7:42 am
Alan R- I live in Locust Grove and can’t pick up 680 once I pass the Perimeter on most nights. Hopefully, the signal for the new FM will be good for us Southsiders as well.
As for last nights game, gritty win. But after watching the highlights, can we please, please ban Pavs from playing the puck forward? Two horrible plays nearly cost them a goal.
Red Light
December 1st, 2010
7:55 am
Didn’t someone post Thrashers 3, Avalanche 2 at 7:12 pm?
Alan R.
December 1st, 2010
8:37 am
I think Pavelec is still learning some of those fundamentals from Clint. He probably didn’t read the play right. Hopefully, Clint covers that with him before tomorrow night. Colorado could have blown it open with those juicy chances, but Pittsburgh almost assuredly will.
Always Hoping
December 1st, 2010
9:08 am
I became a hockey fan growing up in NJ. I listened to the Ranges on WNBC 660 AM. Marv Albert did playby play along with Bill (The Big Whistle) Chadwick. I remember listening to the games on my little AM radio. Then on saturday nights the Rangers would be on channel 9. Seeing Maple Leaf Gardens and the Montreal Forum on TV was magic. Especially enjoyed the Toronto games when Chadwick would interview King Clancy!
World Be Free
December 1st, 2010
9:57 am
Always, will never forget “The Big Whistle”, the Harry Carey of hockey.
Joe Friday
December 1st, 2010
10:10 am
I thought Buf was having an off night there for a while. Shades of him taking nights off when he played D for the Hawks on the one PP when he just stood there flat footed at the point and reached with his stick as Colorado when on a 2 on 1 short handed rush the other way.
But there he came again in the third and took over, just amazing. He’s the most dominant all around dman in the league right now and he’ll match up against the most dominant forward tomorrow night, should be a good match.
It was pretty wild watching the replay on Buf’s goal where after he knocked out their one guy with a shot, the other Avs all backed off out of the path of the goal and let him knock it in. Just wow.
Pavs’ game has obviously fallen apart, can’t believe he let in 2 goals, sheez.
Hockey Biltong
December 1st, 2010
10:11 am
I’d be driving to Tallahasee from Atl in the middle of the night back in the early ’80’s and be somewhere south of ABAC off I-75 and pick up WGN out of Chicago or WLW out of Cincy or sometimes Radio Moscow. You gotta love the ionispheric bounce of AM. Kept me awake, when there was nothing for miles…
Darkhorse
December 1st, 2010
10:14 am
Well, we certainly owe the Pens some revenge. Would be fantastic if they could find a way to make it a franchise record streak Thursday.
ben
December 1st, 2010
10:16 am
perhaps op has put it together. i hope so. mayhaps someone will buy this team and the budget can grow with the talent
Archie Bunker
December 1st, 2010
10:21 am
Would love to beat my chest too because we all deserve to do it for once but this is only December 1st. To whoever posted that stuff yesterday about the annoying OLE’ euro trash cheer and the blah drawn out LETS GO TRASHERS you are right ! If you went to the Falcons game Sunday too then you heard a simple but effective GO PACK GO coming from small pockets in the corners of the endzones.
Craig Ramsay deserves the NHL #1 star for the month of November. Keep it up boys !!!
Archie Bunker
December 1st, 2010
10:24 am
High Payrolls and playing as a TEAM are two different things. Look no further than Yankee Stadium this past year.
AngryRedMarsWoman
December 1st, 2010
10:30 am
“Checked on our former #17.”
LOL. I was in NYC over the weekend and went to the Devils-Flyers game. The fans are starting to realize what they bought for 15 years. I told them to get ready for a lot of “Kovy, come on Kovy….razzle dazzle…lose puck (or edge)…awwww…slog to the bench” 15 years! LOL.
Red Light
December 1st, 2010
10:36 am
For those of you who predicted that Anthony Stewart would have more goals & assists than Antropov entering the month of December, you may now take a bow!
World Be Free
December 1st, 2010
10:47 am
I was concerned about the mile-high atmosphere AND the Thrash being away from home for the first time in awhile; add the fact that the Avs are a skating team. These conditions potentially made the Colorado game as diffilcult as the upcoming games. But the boys pulled it out in the end, good for Stewart though I still think the coaches and captain need to stay on this guy so he doesn’t go into a slumber again.
Spud Webb
December 1st, 2010
11:11 am
I’m shocked that Stewart has pulled his head out of his &ss…I don’t think a minute to soon either. He had the hat trick early in the season, then had disappeared, nice to see him up and alive again. Guess Ramsey knew something we didn’t!! Great play, a win is a win, pretty or not (not sure why ANY thrasher fan would complain about a win, we’ve never had that luxery) it’s 2 points…mmmmmmmmmmm RL…ribeye please!
Thrashers27
December 1st, 2010
11:14 am
Buff was able to pull off some heroics as usual last night, but I don’t like the pattern he’s displaying where he’ll lollygag around for a shift, a goal against will be scored due to his lollygagging and then he’ll kick it up a notch to try to get the equalizer.
It’s great that he shows a sense of responsibility when he does let the team down, but I’d rather he put forth a consistent effort from the get go and not have to make up for his lollygagging.
I know, I probably shouldn’t complain at all, seeing how this is the best team we’ve ever had, but I also know that if our boys are going to be elite competitors they need to give 100% at all times. There is never room for a ngiht off, or a shift off. Go, go, go, until the whistle blows!!!…”Again!”
Zombie Steve
December 1st, 2010
11:34 am
That’s odd some of you can’t get 680 above I-285 – I get it loud and clear at my office in Norcross (Peachtree Corners)
Dwayne
December 1st, 2010
11:42 am
Matt Duchene(sp) is fast, and I mean fast. Probably the first time I ever noticed what another teams player is doing.
Dwayne
December 1st, 2010
11:48 am
Let’s work a trade, Enstrom and Stewart for Matt D. Stewart would love to play with his brother.
World Be Free
December 1st, 2010
11:53 am
Spud – I thing Stewart has been hearing Cormier’s footsteps. He probably thinks Cormier translates to “I am going to get creamed” if I don’t get my butt in gear.
Dwayne-there were 3 players that could have potentially gone #1 in the 2009 draft-Tavaras, Victor Hedman and Duchene. Some scouts had Duchene #1, based on some of the features you saw last night. For my money, I think the selections should have been Hedman, Duchene and Tavaras. You can’t go wrong with any of then; Evander was #4.
Spud Webb
December 1st, 2010
12:03 pm
Alan R, GREAT story about the 50 in 1 and picking that station up!!
World Be Free
December 1st, 2010
12:04 pm
Reaction from Colorado-
“On the other side Ondrej Pavelec is a player. He’s strong and quick. When he’s on fire, like he is now, the Thrashers will be hard to stop.
Atlanta is a good team that is just going to get better as that Blackhawks influence gets going.
Three Stars
1. Ondrej Pavelec- Remarkable tonight
2. Dustin Byfuglian- goal, assist and nine shots
3. Matt Duchene- Scored a goal and got the Avs started”
People are noticing
Tom
December 1st, 2010
12:28 pm
Alan R – I am down here in the PTC , excited that I can get teh station.
@not_CThorburn
December 1st, 2010
12:40 pm
ahhh… 6 wins in a row = 6th in the East!
We really need Tampa to hit the skids for a while.
Chris
kracker
December 1st, 2010
12:50 pm
Some of y’all people must live in the black hole or the Bermuda Triangle of AM radio. I roll my eyes every time somebody says you can’t get 680 north of the perimeter. I can and do. In my house or in my car. Both radios are standard issue, nothing fancy. From Philips Arena to all the way home. I live in Duluth near PIB and N. Berkeley Road, that is about 9 miles north of 285. But if there is another option out there now, great!
Alan R.
December 1st, 2010
1:04 pm
From Philips Arena to all the way home. I live in Duluth near PIB and N. Berkeley Road
You live northeast of town. Most people here, it seems, lives north or northwest… with those of us on the southside conveniently forgotten.
Smoothie
December 1st, 2010
1:10 pm
You guys are vastly underselling Anthony Stewart. Yeah, no one is ever gonna confuse him for his brother, oh wait, but anyway, he’s not gonna score you 30+ goals, but he’s doing all of the smart, little things that Coach Ramsay demands. Since the Kane-Lits-Stewart line was put together, they have been our best forechecking line on a consistent basis. Since the Washington game, that trio has been on the ice for 6 ES goals and count ‘em, one ES goal. Technically, it’s 2 ESGA, but the one against BOS was a bad line change and Buff completely screwed up taking the wrong line / angle on the play leaving Wheeler WIDE OPEN.
Brendan
December 1st, 2010
1:21 pm
Admit it, folks. This has been a November to remember! (Sorry, won’t do that again.) If this hasn’t been the best stretch of Thrasher games in franchise history, then let’s have a discussion about what was. My only guess would be in 2006, after Kari Lethonen returned, the the team went something like 13-2-3 during a stretch of games. But my memory of that is “hazy,” so don’t quote me.
Craig Ramsay … is positioning himself … for a Jack Adams Trophy. It’s EARLY. So … very … early … still. But, if this kind of “team” play continues, with these kinds of results, Ramsay has to be a nominee for Coach of the Year.