AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > February > 04
Monday, February 4, 2008
Flying “P”s & Power Rankings
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Visualize Whirled “P”s
As the Thrasher face the Flyers tomorrow night at Philips, they will be attempting to sail into unchartered waters. Not once this season have they risen to two games above .500. Yet Atlanta is tied with the Hurricanes for first place in the Southeast Division and could move into sole possession of the lead depending on how the Canes fair against Nashville.
But it’s not going to be easy. The Atlantic Division-leading Flyers are 7-2-1 in their past 10, boast the league’s second most effective power play, (24.7%), and are 3rd in G/G with 3.26.
The Thrashers have done well since returning from the All Star break and have been lucky that no one has yet to take charge in the division. But with Carolina being a factor to the end and Washington playing well, good fortune will not advance Atlanta to the SE crown. Hard work and solid play night in and night out will.
Hossa Rumor Mill Crankin’ Up
While the team continues to fight for the division lead, they are also certainly dealing with the Hossa trade rumors that are flying around. Personally, I still think it’s 50-50 if he is dealt or signs in the next couple of weeks. I’ll just reiterate my thought that if he is, indeed, traded that we get players in return that can help address the defensive/center concerns of our teams.
As I have said before, if the trade signals throwing in the towel on this season, rather than bolstering our team to push into the playoffs, it would be a disaster.
Rawhide’s Power Rankings
Now, with that in mind, let’s re-examine Rawhide’s Power Rankings and see how the Thrashers rate with the rest of the league. (For comparison, here is last month’s RPR).
- Detroit Red Wings - NHL best 2.02 GA/G, NHL best 34.6 S/G, NHL best 23.6 SA/G…NHL best period…(unless playing the Thrashers).
- Ottawa Senators - They are 3-7 since Heatley separated his shoulder in Detroit.
- Montreal Canadiens - A win vs. Ottawa could bring them to within 1 of the Sens.
- San Jose Sharks - Won’t let Dallas pull away in the West.
- Philadelphia Flyers - 3.26 G/G, 7-2-1 in last ten.
- Dallas Stars - Lead in West due to playing 4 more than SJ so far.
- Minnesota Wild - Starting to take charge in Northwest.
- Pittsburgh Penguins - Holding their own during Crosby’s absence.
- New Jersey Devils - Given up Eastern Conference low 125 goals.
- Calgary Flames - 13-9-7 at home, 13-9-1 away. That’s balance.
- Colorado Avalanche - 18-8-1 against visiting teams in the Mile High City
- Boston Bruins - Righted the ship after a near collapse prior to the New Year.
- Nashville Predators - 6-2-2 in past 10 have them back in playoff contention.
- Vancouver Canucks - Fallen on hard times, but undefeated leading after 2nd.
- Phoenix Coyotes - .500 at home but 16-11-1 on the road to stay in the mix.
- Anaheim Ducks - On pace for 89 points after last year’s 110.
- New York Rangers - Down 3-0 to Montreal but rally for 5-3 win on Sunday.
- Atlanta Thrashers - 1.68 GAA in last 4 games. Good way to start playoff push.
- Carolina Hurricanes - 4-6-0 in last 10 but are ready for a scrap in the southeast.
- Washington Capitals - Ovechkin and Co. are surging, but need help on defense.
- New York Islanders - Could finish last in Atlantic but still make playoffs.
- Columbus Blue Jackets - Terribly average team, but Nash could carry them in.
- St. Louis Blues - 2-6-2 in past 10. Get the fork ready ‘cuz they could be done.
- Buffalo Sabres - Think they could use Briere’s 20 goals and 50 points right now?
- Florida Panthers - Hanging in there but not enough offense.
- Chicago Blackhawks - Strong start in the season failed to maintain momentum.
- Edmonton Oilers - Unfortunately they have 4 teams over .500 in their division.
- Toronto Maple Leafs - Hockey Mecca will be left out again come playoffs.
- Tampa Bay - Tortorella is still coaching in Tampa?
- Los Angeles Kings - They seem to be very comfortable in this spot.
