Even though the newly-revamped Blueland Blog used the above pic to capture the essence of last nite's game, I really have to follow suit.
First off, yeah, welcome back, Thrashers. I mean, really. Last nite's game wasn't a great game by any means. Truth be told, I did feel uneasy after the first period - but that was probably due to the fact that I weakly attempted to slam down a huge Amber Bock from the food court prior to the game. But the early play of the Thrash (against the underestimated - true - but still weak Panthers) did cause concern, especially after their recent winning ways.
Oh, and how one streak picks up where the other left off!
As I was starting to mention, last nite's game wasn't a perfect Thrashers victory. In fact, it wasn't that pretty, or that great. What matters the most, however, is the reality that the Thrashers are back in first place. They are playing some consistent hockey right now and that's what's going to win games. You don't have to always outplay your opponents for 60 minutes. Then again, that's been some of the team's struggles - showing up early and not finishing. I think a safe ratio is to play for about 55 minutes, and maybe cruise a little for five. Note that cruising is not synonamous with "falling apart completely."
Things really looked great in the second, when Kovy made a great open-ice pass up to a streaking Tkachuk and made the play count. The trades Waddell & Co. conjured up are proving valuable RIGHT NOW, and that's the point. Even though I loved the guy, can you really imagine Metropolit and Kovy getting together for a goal like that? Despite Tkachuk's tendencies to crash the net and really cause a goalie havoc in front, the guy can still move and score like a champ.
Hossa's goal in the third really brought the team back after a really poor Panthers goal that was just sloppy on our end. What was even worse was the blown coverage from Sutton that resulted in the wide-open Kolnik to wine-and-dine at the Thrashers' expense.
It was the picture that decided it all. With a great combination of Mellanby and newcomer Alexei Zhitnik, Kovalchuk made the strategizing count and put a dagger in the Cats' evening. I will never tire of Kovy's goal celebrations, and last nite's was perfection. I even fantasize about getting on one knee and pumping my fist as hard as possible after I get a strike whenever I bowl, but I always seem to get the timing off (i.e. plan out the celebration, only to be left with another open frame).
Bowling aside, the game last nite was a great display of a team that is ready to take charge of not only their own game, but their own destiny. We all know what's on the line - a playoff spot. Last year, I would've said that the team assembled in October was playoff-bound, but definitely not a first place team. When they didn't make the playoffs, it was a disaster. This season, I really felt that this team could win the division. After the recent acquisitions, I'm certain that this can happen. But for me, getting into the playoffs is not the goal here - it's to win, and really make a statement at doing such. Winning the Southeast Division does this. And even though we know that the team isn't exactly the strongest at home (especially in front of capacity crowds), home-ice advantage is tremendous. I've also read in the past (cannot provide sources at the time, but please refresh my memory here!) that Philips is one of the loudest arenas when it's rocking. I truly feel that this team can make a sizable run in the post-season and do the organization, the fans, and the city proud.
So while I go aside and say that, for me, first place or bust is the goal, essentially the playoffs are what is at stake. Yeah, we can sneak in as an eight-seed. If we make it to the finals as an eight seed, I really won't be complaining, only pointing my fingers at any nay-sayers, telling them, "I told you so!" Deep down, I want the team to make it into June at any cost, but a first place position would really make me happy and show the rest of the league that we're not to be laughed at anymore. Besides, with all of the hills we've been up and down this season, it would be AMAZING to come out on TOP and prove to the world that's where we belong, now and in future seasons.
Last nite's game really showed me that solid hockey always wins. It doesn't need to be Champions on Ice stuff, it just needs to BE. Even the special teams weren't that fantastic against the Panthers. In other games, it will need to step up. But we're in a transition period where new elements are incorporated into the grand scheme of things. Time will make the transition hopefully easier and I know we're only seeing glimpses of what this team can represent. I just can't wait for April to come around and see where we are among the top eight in the Eastern Conference.
It's good to be at the top again. Let's just keep it that way. See y'all on Thursday!
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