AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2007 > October > 11
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Coulda-woulda-shoulda…
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
You could say that the Thrashers played much better against Ottawa then they did in their first two games. And you’d be right.
You could say that Kovalchuk played like a man possessed. That his goal was a great individual effort, truly highlight film material. Again, you would be correct.
You could say that, (minus Ken Klee looking Sutton-esque on Kelly’s goal less then 2 minutes in), the Thrashers almost resembled the team we saw push their way into the playoffs last year. At least for 2 whole periods, yes they did.
You could point to the fact that the Thrashers outshot Ottawa 24-23 in the last two periods. That they are showing signs of getting into equilibrium the “shots-for”/”shot against” line. And once more, “You are correct, sir”!
You could explain how the Kovy-White-Sterling line played exiting hockey throughout the game. Not too many would disagree.
You could also say that the Thrashers actually played with a lot of effort and energy Wednesday evening. Uh-huh, yes they did.
The problem is, after you said all that our team still has exactly as many points in the standings as chances that a Red Wings fan from Livonia, Michigan, could land a date with Charlize Theron.
ZERO.
Now you could, if you wanted to, also point out that the three teams that we have played are a collective 11-0-0, outscoring their opponents 33-14. It is so.
You could also remind us all that not only are the Senators undefeated this regular season but they were also went undefeated during pre-season. Yes, yes they did, not that it matters. But it does bolster the argument that they are the class of the East, the team to beat.
So now the defending Southeast Division champion Thrashers shuffle off to Buffalo to take on the defending Northeast Division champion Sabres who have …why… exactly as many points as we do. That’s right, a Goose egg. Then on Saturday night we get the defending Atlantic Division champ New Jersey Devils who are …what’s this?…1-2-0 on this young season.
Well, I guess now you could say that, finally, it’s about time the schedule affords us a chance to get better by playing some of the “weaker” teams of the conference.
Yep. That’s what you COULD say.
