AJC > Sports > Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2007 > April > 06
Friday, April 6, 2007
Thrashers are Southeast champs
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Suddenly the last game is meaningless. What a night for the Thrashers, who not only bounced back strong from the Washington debacle, but thanks to Florida’s big win, clinched the division.
It’s not confirmed or official, but word from the team is that the first playoff game in Thrashers history will be on Thursday, April 12th (which also happens to be my wife’s birthday). I think that has a lot to do with the Hawks schedule, but nothing can be firmed up until we know who the Thrashers are going to play.
So what was going through your mind when the Thrashers clinched? You do realize that the last two Southeast Division champs went on to win the Stanley Cup, don’t you? (no pressure there)
Here are some Hartley quotes I didn’t use from my cell phone conversation with him as he boarded the plane, once it became official. Because like a good hockey coach, he refused to comment on the division, even when Florida opened a 7-0 lead.
Hartley from the plane:
“For the entire organization, the owners, fans, players, management - it’s a big reward. Home ice advantage. It gives us a banner in the rafters in our rink. Obviously we want to add to that banner. It recognizes the effort of all the players since day one.”
On this being a big year for him personally with the team
“That’s the mandate that Don had given me. To be his partner and to work in getting this team to the playoffs. Not only did we get to the playoffs, we got the divisional title, home ice advantage. It’s certainly fun as a coach and a player. You hope you’ll be in the playoffs, that’s the goal. We had step one, now step two is on the verge of starting.”
Alright I have to get back to the hotel before they kick me out of the arena. Early morning flight, then one more game.
3 things to watch vs. ‘Canes
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
For the third game in a row, the Thrashers take on a team out of the playoff hunt tonight, although that doesn’t guarantee anything (as we learned Wednesday). Cam Ward will be in goal for Carolina which is somewhat interesting because Bob Hartley has said in the past that he thinks the Thrashers are a bad matchup for Ward. For whatever reason, Ward doesn’t play his best games against the Thrashers. It’s the same reason, he explained this morning, why Johan Hedberg is getting the start for the Thrashers. Hedberg plays well against the Hurricanes and Kari Lehtonen struggles.
So if we’re breaking it down into three things to watch tonight — the goalie matchup is No. 3. Here are the other two:
1. How does Kovalchuk respond to the benching? Hartley kind of smiled yesterday when I asked him if a [ticked] off Kovalchuk plays better. Here was Hartley’s response:
“I think we’ll know [soon]. At this time of the year whether you play unhappy or you play happy, you have to play well. That’s the most important thing.”
Let’s not forget how well Kovalchuk played after his All-Star snub this year, although he’s never said publicly that he was mad about not making the All-Star game. I’ve been told by others of examples before my arrival where Hartley benched Kovalchuk and he came back strong. You just wonder how many times you can go to the well before it doesn’t work. Anyways, I’ll be watching Kovy closely tonight, that’s for sure.
2. Sim’s return - I honestly didn’t think Sim was going to play again during the regular season, but he’s back tonight against the Canes. That’s quite the comeback. He said he’s a little nervous, although he acknowledged that his nervousness could have as much to do with the importance of tonight’s game as much as his return from the injury. He’ll skate with Boulton and Slater, and he joked that maybe Hartley put him with those two so he doesn’t have to fight anymore.
3. Moose vs. Ward - I spoke with Cam this morning about Kari Lehtonen and he thinks Kari has the perfect demeanor to be a good playoff goalie and Ward expects Lehts to have a strong postseason despite never playing there in his career. If anyone would know about strong playoff debuts, it’s Cam Ward.
Lastly, the Beat Blog’s adopted college hockey team, the Michigan State Spartans are in the title game. Jim Slater (a former Spartan) is following it very closely. He said he’s still really close with about 10-12 guys on the team and was making phone calls to the players right after they clinched a spot in the championship. Saturday night could be quite the night for Slates if the Spartans win and the Thrashers clinch the division.
