Scouting the Enemy: Atlanta Thrashers

by FrankD on Mar 17, 2009 9:00 AM EDT in News

Logo_atlanta_thrashers_medium

Record:29-35-6

Leading scorers:Ilya Kovalchuk (36G, 42A), Todd White (19G, 43A)

If this past weekend's 4-3 shootout loss to the Ottawa Senators proves anything it's this: don't dismiss the basement dwellers. Atlanta's 29-35-6 record would indicate they're likely a push over, but the recent streak of a franchise-high six consecutive wins is nothing to take lightly.

In last night's game against the Washington Capitals, Thrashers goaltender Kari Lehtonen played, in Mike Lange terms, "like a man possessed," en route to a career-high 49 save performance. The Caps didn't get much traffic in front of the net, but it didn't matter. Lehtonen was shifting side to side with ease and at times coming way out of the crease to challenge legitment drives towards the net by Alex Ovechkin. The potential 5-0 shutout was spoiled with 1:15 remaining in the game when Washington's Eric Fehr picked up his 11th of the year to bring the final to 5-1.

Mind you, this was all without Ilya Kovalchuk in the lineup.

No word on Kovie's place in tonight's roster against the Pens, but he was reevaluated yesterday before the Caps game and consequently sat out with the obligatory upper body injury. We'll keep you posted as the day progresses.

Although overworked, don't be surprised if Atlanta goes with Lehtonen again between the pipes. Obviously the Thrashers have nothing left to lose in terms of a playoff position, but the franchise record is still on the line and Lehtonen is finally playing like the goaltender fans have wanted him to be. He's come out on top in five straight starts, shutting out the Avalanche and Canadiens in the process. Lil John must have a positive influence on his playing abilities.

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hmm

So if the Pens can beat the Thrashers tonight, and Philly loses to Detroit, will we be sitting in 4th place in the conference?

P is for Latrobe.

by holiday park on Mar 17, 2009 10:16 AM EDT reply actions

Yes, Pittsburgh would technically be 4th with a win and a Flyers regulation loss (since the Pens wouldd have more wins than Philadelphia). But Philly would still have three games in hand, so realisticially the Penguins still have to think “make the playoffs” more than “home ice advantage”.

by Hooks Orpik on Mar 17, 2009 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions

Remember...

They have to win those games in hand. When I look at the Pens schedule hung up here in my cubicle, it looks like the Pens have a lot of games left. Now if you add three more games to that schedule there would be no more two day breaks and at least two back-to-backs. It’s not really a given that they will win those three games.

by PensFan024 on Mar 17, 2009 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions