AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2007 > November > 29
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Thrashers First Quarter Report Card
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Thrashers prepare to rake some Leafs at Philips tonight after a four-day reprieve from the schedule. They will host a Toronto team that is 2-5-3 in its last ten games and whose GM and coach’s tenure may be circling the drain. The Toronto sports media is reportedly traveling en-mass with the team awaiting the loss that will bring forth their demise. If tonight’s game proves to be just such a defeat for Toronto, the Thrashers could start getting the label of “Coach Killer” given the firing of Glen Hanlon after Atlanta’s 5-1 win over the Capitals last week.
The team will also be moving into the second quarter of the season, so it’s report card time for the Thrashers…
OFFENSE
The Good: Ilya Kovalchuk. His 19 goals lead the NHL and he has played all year justifying the “A” on his jersey. He has been nothing short of dynamic. Marian Hossa got off to a sluggish start but has improved in November, currently with 9 goals and 10 assists in the 20 games he has played. Todd White and Eric Perrin have stepped it up as well after slow starts.
The Un-Good: The Thrashers 2.56 goals per game ranks 20th in the league, (tied with San Jose), and their 25.7 shots per game is 24th best. They have been shut out a league high five times and have been held to two goals or less in 10 of their 23 games. Their power play is 19th best in the NHL at 16.0%, (tied with Columbus). Bobby Holik has looked slow and Jim Slater is still seeking his first goal.
The Summary: In November the team has a 3.09 goals for average, so it’s getting better. But there is still much room for improvement. This grade would be a lot worse if not for #17.
The Grade: C-
DEFENSE
The Good: Tobias Enstrom leads the team with 23:17 TOI as well as his +6 rating. He has thrown in 2 goals and 11 assists as well. We were all looking for big things out of the kid, but what he is delivering is HUGE! Overall Nic Havelid and Garnet Exelby have been solid of late.
The Un-Good: The 3.39 GA/G is only better then Toronto’s and only the Flyers give up more then the Thrashers 32.2 SA/G. Penalty killing is a league worst 72.6%. Too many times the defense has looked flat-footed and slow. Alexi Zhitnik’s -10 speaks for it’s self and Steve McCarthy was really fighting it with a -13 hanging around his neck before he was sat down.
The Summary: The team defense was awful in October. And even though it seems to have stabilized some once the pairings were given time to gel together, this aspect of the Thrashers still has a ways to go. They have to cut down the shots on net.
The Grade: D
GOALKEEPING
The Good: Rookie Ondrej Pavelec gave the team a much-needed boost winning his first three starts. His .905 SV% is still the better of the three net minders. Johan Hedberg is 8-5 with a 2.96 GAA, both lead the trio.
The Un-Good: Kari Lehtonen’s injury trouble reared its ugly head again. Before going down he was 0-4 with a 4.49 GAA and .879 SV%. His rehab assignment started well and he could be ready in a soon as a week.
The Summary: Moose is a great #2 guy to have around, but Kari needs to return strong and take over. Pavelec gave us a great effort but for this season it’s up to Kari and Moose. Given the number of shots they face it’s amazing the GAA isn’t even higher then it is.
The Grade: C+
ROOKIES
The Good: Actually, The Very Good. Enstrom by far stand out, but Bryan Little, (3g, 5a, +2), Darren Haydar, (1g, 5a, +3), and Mark Popovic have played very well also. When called upon Opie was more then adequate. This area has been the most pleasant surprise of the season with the possible exception of Kovy’s play.
The Un-Good: Brett Sterling’s 3 points in 12 games was a disappointment.
The Summary: Outside of Kovy’s play, the play of our youngsters has been the brightest part of the first 21 games. The future sure looks good in Blueland, that the present looks good as well is a bonus.
The Grade: A
Overall grade: C
