AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > November > 11
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Streaking, Filling Up Philips & Becoming One
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A week or so ago we were lamenting the fact that the Atlanta Thrashers were languishing in last place. Not just in the division…or conference…but in the NHL. Their .333 winning percentage at the time was worst in the league.
What a difference a week makes.
After Sunday’s 5-2 win on the road versus Carolina, the Thrashers now find themselves riding a four-game winning streak and in a much-improved situation in the standings. The winning percentage has improved to .467, which is 22nd in the league and the once-struggling O-fence is now producing goals at the rate of 2.93 per game, that’s 15th best. Also…and you may want to be sitting down for this one…the power play, which was awful for the first month of the season, is now 19.4% effective which is tenth best in the NHL.
audible ooohs and aaaaahs from the blogosphere
There is still much work to be done, for sure…but continuing the efforts of the past week-plus will go a long way to getting the job done.
Atlanta has scored 19 goals during these past four games. The White, Little, Kozzy line has been much talked about for good reason. But Kovy’s line has looked very good the past couple of games as well…accounting for 2 goals and 3 assists in both the wins in Buffalo and Carolina. Also, the third line chipped in as well during the last game, thanks in large part to a pair of tallied from Marty Reasoner. Yes indeed, we’re seeing some great play coming from John Anderson’s O-fence lately.
Not to be overlooked is the job Johan Hedberg did in the net over the weekend. His play in the third period of Friday’s game was outstanding and his 35 saves on 37 shots performance against the Canes was just what the doctor ordered for him and his team.
About the only thing disappointing for Thrashers fans right now is that the schedule calls for four days off between Sunday’s game in Carolina and Friday night’s rematch with the same Hurricanes team.
Which brings me to…
Let’s Fill Up Philips Friday
I normally don’t get on the “Come Out If You’re A Real Fan” soapbox. The way I see it, you are all big boys and girls and can decide on your own how to spend your money. But I gotta say…if you are one of those who have been taking a “wait and see” attitude about this Thrashers team, then maybe…just maybe…you need to wait no more and come out and see them for yourself this Friday.
Of late, this Thrashers team has been playing some of the most exciting, entertaining hockey that I’ve seen in many, many moons. I can just imagine how pumped this group of players would be to skate out to the roar of a sold out Philips Arena…and quite frankly, these guys deserve it the way they’ve been performing.
Think about it… you’ll get a chance to see a hard-working team that has played some very inspired hockey of late, it’s a Friday night, you’ll get the first look at the new third jerseys, plus…well…it ain’t gonna be on TV.
I’ll be there…section 119. Love to see everyone else there, too.
Become One…Literally
Now, the above having been said…there are two of you that shall be granted a full and total pardon for your lack of attendance this Friday. Those two being regulars in this forum that go by the handles of “ Former Islanders Fan” and “Lilibeter”. Their excuse being that they will be in the process of voluntarily institutionalizing themselves in the bonds of holy matrimony that evening!
Geeze…talk about “Becoming One”! That’s really taking a slogan a tad to the extreme, eh gang?
Now, I understand that the sentencing…er, ah…ceremonies are set to begin at 7:00 pm. But keep in mind you two…face off is set for a little past 7:30, so if you get the “I dos” and “He had betters” out of the way fast enough…there is absolutely no reason why the second and third periods are not makeable. Just sayin’…
But if not…I guess we all understand. In that light, I would like to propose a toast for you both at this time. So, if everyone will raise his or her cyber-champagne glasses with me…
ahem
FIF…I got news for you, dude. You are marrying WAAaaaay above your head. I know what I’m talking about here…I am a 19-year veteran at this marriage thingy. That’s 19 years as of today. That’s right, on November 11, 1989…in a little church just north of Tampa, Florida…the Divine Mrs. R and I agreed to be husband and wife.
We’ve not agreed on a gosh-darned thing since….
Anyway…if you simply remember, FIF, that she is far too good for…you’ll be just fine. I myself am reminded of that in regards to my wife each and every day…yup, every morning she reminds me, “Bill, I’m far too good for you”!
Lilibeter, you’d be well served to do the same…keep him in line, ya know. But if he does get out of line, a good stiff body-check against the boards should do the trick.
As you’ll both soon see, love may indeed be blind… but marriage is a real eye-opener!
Seriously though…congratulations to both of you! You’re a delightful couple and I pray that your union will be blessed from above and is as full of happiness and joy as mine has been so far!
So, go “Become One”…have a wonderful, marvelous time on your day Friday. I’m sure you will be a lovely bride, Lilibeter and that you, FIF will be…well, you’ll be… there. We’ll see ya both next time at Blueland.
The rest of you…see you at Philips on Friday!
