AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2007 > March > 31
Saturday, March 31, 2007
One win away
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
By the end of the night, we could be in the playoffs.
However, I kinda hope that doesn’t happen. As excruciating as this little stretch run has been, you’d think I’d want to get in any which way … and, in a sense, I do. Yet, I love on-ice clinchings … on home ice, no less. And what would be better than to beat the Capitals on Wednesday to seal the deal?
That said, Toronto plays three games between now and then, and the Islanders play twice before then. One loss for each and we’re in. And I’ll take it with no complaints.
This game was worth of a clincher, anyway. Beautiful goaltending, nice chemistry on the lines, beautiful passing and a clutch goal from our rent-a-stud.
For me, there were three plays worth noting. The first, obviously, was Tkachuk’s game-winner. Big boy got himself in the right place at the right time and made no mistakes. The second was Dupuis’ pass to de Vries for the second goal. An absolute beaut, perfectly played … visions of the Dupuis we all liked during Minnesota’s big playoff run a few years ago.
The third play that stuck out for me was Jim Slater absolutely pummeling Jeff Hoggan, whom I’m pretty sure didn’t come back into the game. Slater has had one of the more disappointing seasons on the team, and to see him stick his nose in it to try to contribute in that way just speaks volumes. A guy’s season could turn on a play like that, and this would be the ideal time for it to happen to Slater.
Hossa could have easily made this a four- or five-goal game, but he got absolutely robbed on a couple prime scoring chances. It would be nice to see him get hot again about now.
And what can you say about Lehtonen today? (If you’re sendec, you can say Lehtonen is a rogue and a scoundral.) But if you’re anybody else, you can say he played a big-time game today. Very impressive, especially with the leg pads, kicking away shot after shot.
Anyway, I gotta run. Big night here at the AJC, something about a couple of high school basketball games downtown tonight. I’m not sure, but apparently it’s a big deal and we’ll be busy all night. But I’ll check in on your responses every so often.
