AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > February > 10
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Zhitty-Zhitty-Bang-Bang!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Holy Zhitnik, Batman!
Alexei Zhitnik’s game winner at the 1:26 mark of overtime Saturday night will go down in the books as an unassisted tally. However, let us place an asterisk on it and note that an unofficial assist goes to Kari Lehtonen who, just prior to Zhitty’s game winner, stoned Tampa Bay’s winger Jason Ward cold on a point blank redirection. Otherwise, the game would have been over!
Kari turned away 27 of 28 shots and continued his string of strong starts. He has allowed only 7 goals in his 5 starts after the All Star Game, a 1.40 GAA during that span. Even after a Vinny Lecavalier goal in the second, Lehts held fast and gave the offense enough time to try and get their act together. In all honesty, on that goal, Nic Havelid left him all alone with the prolific scorer after a terrible give-away.
It took a blast from Marian Hossa 4:18 into the final period to finally get Atlanta on the board and tie the score. From that point on the defenses and goalies clamped down and denied the other team a chance to win it in regulation.
Then, in the extra period, Zhitnik carried the puck out of the defensive zone and over the Lightning’s blue line, drifted left then lifted a shot past Johan Holmqvist.
Now THAT’S some good Zhit, man!
Southeast Log Jam Continues
The win Saturday, combined with New Jersey’s 6-1 pounding of Carolina brings the Thrashers into a tie with the Hurricanes atop the Southeast Division after 58 games. Florida’s 6-3 win over Boston brings them into a tie with Washington a point behind. The Panthers have a game in hand, the Caps two.
With Kari, Either Way I’m Wrong
In the four months I have handled this blog I have posted 75 entries. During that time I have found that the two best ways to be told just how “wrong” or just what “an idiot” I am is to:
1). Defend Kari Lehtonen and insist he go back into the nets after a poor outing…and,
2). Slam Kari Lehtonen for making a bone-headed move in a close game.
Doesn’t matter if I defend the kid or call him out, either way, I’m “wrong” to some. That’s OK, this year I will celebrate the 19th anniversary of marriage to the divine Mrs. R…so I’m used to being wrong regardless of which way I go.
A Sign Of Things To Come?
The Thrashers defense held the opposing team to under 30 shots for the second consecutive game. This is a trend that needs to continue. If the offense can find a way to get their SOG production to the upper 20s to low 30s on a consistent basis, all the better.
Looky-There On The Big Screen
Did my eyes deceive me…or was that FormerIslesFan up on the big screen?? Dude…wave next time! Oh, and Stephanie, pleasure to meet you as well.
Mullet Night Success
The Thrasher won Saturday on “Mullet Night”. Last year they won against the Hurricanes on “Mullet Day”. HHHhhhhhmmmm…I sense a trend. Everyone in favor of growing a mullet for the Thrashers and has enough hair to do so, please step forward. (Not so fast RStroz).
