Tonight’s game vs Lightning isn’t a ‘must win’ for Thrashers, however…
Last night I sat down at my desk and performed a little advanced math exercise. Armed with graph paper, a slide rule, calculator and a No. 2 pencil, I figure something out that just might interest you. Now, I’ll spare you the lengthy explanations nor shall I bore you by posting charts and graphs here, instead going straight to the conclusion.
If the Atlanta Thrashers do indeed lose to the Tampa Bay Lightning tonight…whether it be in regulation or overtime…they will still have a mathematical chance to make the playoffs this spring.
Again, there’s really just not enough time and space here to explain the “whats” and “whys” involved with this finding. So, just take my word on this.
With that in mind, placing the “must win game” label on tonight’s matchup with the division rival would not be fitting, in my opinion. However, I must admit that to me there is an extra importance to this evening’s battle with the Bolts. I say that for a couple of reasons.
Evander Kane makes his way around Tampa Bay's Victor Hedman during the 2009-10 season opening game. Kane notched his first NHL point that night by assisting on a Rich Peverley goal and the Thrashers won 6-3. It was also the last time Atlanta beat the Bolts (AP Photo/Gregory Smith)
First off, it’s a matchup with the team currently atop the Southeast Division…six points ahead of and with one game in hand on the Thrashers. In between the two is the Washington Capitals, one point behind Tampa Bay. So if Atlanta is going to make any move at the division title, tonight would be a very good time to begin that push. This is especially true given that in the next four games leading up to the All Star Game, the Thrashers play those two teams three times.
Lightning will strike again for Atlanta this coming Sunday afternoon.
Now I’ll admit right here that while I do think the Thrashers will indeed make it to the postseason this spring, I don’t really hold much hope that they’ll do so as division champs.
But stranger things have happened in sports, ya know.
Tough as it might be even with a win against the Lightning tonight, it’d almost be an impossibility if they find themselves even further behind a week from now. Not mathematically, mind you…but realistically speaking.
Another reason I am placing a little more emphasis on this game versus your average, run of the mill January tilt with a division foe is because of the impact it may have not only in the standings…but between the ears as well. The Thrashers have lost nine straight against this Tampa Bay team dating back to the beginning of last season. The last time the Lightning failed to take two points away from a game with Atlanta was opening night 2009 when they fell 6-3 in Philips Arena.
They are rapidly becoming to the Thrashers what Philadelphia and Boston were for several years recently. After a while it’s only natural for coaches and players to start wondering just what in the heck it’ll take to finally beat that #$%@ team. And eventually, that sort of run starts to work against a team mentally. And if one team comes out of the locker room with any such self-doubt going up against any NHL squad, that other team has already taken the first strides towards the win before the puck is even dropped.
So with all that in mind, while it’s certainly not something I would classify in the “must win” column, a win tonight would surely go a long way to help the Thrashers situation both in the standings and psychologically. A
And that would be a very good thing indeed…any way you add it up.
New Rawhide’s Rowdies Ticket Deal – Feb. 13 vs. Hurricanes
On Sunday February 13, we’ll welcome in division rival Carolina for an afternoon matinee. The Thrashers organization has been kind enough to extend another Rawhide’s Rowdies offer for you, the readers of this blog. For this game, we’ll gather in sections 203 and 204 and the ticket price will be only $26.00.
But wait…there’s more.
For those of you who will be taking advantage of this deal, you’ll also receive a free Thrashers replica jersey like the one pictured to the left as well. It has Zach Bogosian’s name and No. 4 on the back.
Simply call Karin Beckman at 404-878-3781 or e-mail her at Karin.Beckman@atlantaspirit.com to procure your tickets and jersey today. Act quickly as there’s only a limited supply available.
Also remember that you can still get good deals on this month’s games by simply clicking —>HERE<– and using promo code RAWHIDE.
Get your tickets, get your free replica jersey and get your butts down to Blueland!
By: Bill Tiller – AJC.com Thrashers Fan Blog
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206 comments Add your comment
SomaAtl95
January 21st, 2011
2:36 pm
SOB – I think I found your the name of your organization – Don & Octocluster Unify to Conspire for Hapless performance while Engaging in a Bickering Atlanta-spirit Group .
What does that spell? DOUCHEBAG. Perfect place for a SOB like you to troll in.
And this tension you keep referring to is only felt by you, the tension between your legs that wonder where your johnson should be. Only someone with a stifled manhood would drive the same argument OVER AND OVER AND OVER AGAIN.
Until you have something, anything new to bring to the table why don’t you start your own “Anti-fan” blog and hold meetings where you and your 2 followers can sit around and cast your wild conspiracy theories and subsidize your incompetence and complete inability to ever be on topic in these blogs – for crying out loud I may get away from topic at hand but you don’t see me insulting anyone and everyone when going “off the grid”
Canada called. They’re waiting on you with open arms. Fly away, little bird. Join the rest of the flock of boo birds who refuse to let stupid things go. I hear Winnipeg could use more folks like you.
Rawhide
January 21st, 2011
2:39 pm
This is your official 10 minute Ranallo Warning. New blog to be posted in 10 minutes.
Iron League 13
January 21st, 2011
2:58 pm
Well, sidetracked by Mommy’s music, playground tomorrow.
Rawhide, thanks for the warning.
Soma, I like the attitude, reminds me of my playing days.
Maybe I’ll eat a Sage rubbed troll on another blog, I’m sure of it.
Joe Friday
January 21st, 2011
3:08 pm
“Pound for pound, he has to be the best d-man in the world for sure”
I know this is going to be ranalloed, but Smoothie, thanks for the laugh. Seriously, that was laugh out loud funny.. You just made a crappy day much better, laughing is good for the soul. Now where’s those pom poms?
ThrasherTim
January 21st, 2011
3:30 pm
I agree with Smoothie on Enstrom.
I am not sure why anyone is concerned with this new “revelation” by the owners. Why would we be surprised? It’s a lawsuit, so they are saying whatever they can to try and win back some $$ because they are idiots and don’t want to take responsibility for their ridiculous ownership group. It does make you wonder why they bother to write letters to fans though. We don’t believe them.
chuckapuck
January 21st, 2011
5:19 pm
The Thrashers have to get away from the perimeter hockey in the offensive end. They need to manufacture an aggressive drive to the net. You have to shoot to score. Look at most of their recent goals. They were driving to the net and following up to the net. Look at their attack earlier in the year that made them so successful. They had a sustained drive to the net with at least two players. Their player support has been sporadic and too long-distance. Shorten up the play –on the break out, attack, and offensive zone. Too many long passes – with inevitable interceptions and lack of support to the recipient of the pass – a dangling participle. Leaving them out-numbered in the short play – to be dominated by the opponent and loose the puck. Get off the boards on the breakout and in to the net, in the offensive zone. Run/rotate the defense down a slot off the boards – and cycle back the strong side winger to cover for the defense. Bring the weak side winger and/or defense in tight and low to create more pressure in offensive zone and to provide more opportunities away from the boards. The dump is okay, but many times that translates in to a wasted opportunity.
The other thing Bolts did to contain the Thrash – trap, they didn’t have an aggressive fore-check, unless they could catch a man by himself – then they sent two or more. They were meeting the Thrash at center ice. The Thrash need to concentrate a drive and punch through the redline iron curtain.
Buff may need to move to offense. To initiate the drive and draw extra attention leaving an open lane of attack for a well mated attack-partner.
They did have some times where their play support was good and the results were excellent. They need to try to maintain that presence and stature on the ice.