Today's the day!

So last nite, I was going to put together a little thing I wanted to call a "Thrashers Playoff Kit", which was basically going to be a silly take on what was essential for the game this evening against the Rangers. After playing around with it for a while, I just wasn't that satisfied with how it turned out, so I'll just do a quick version of what I wanted to do yesterday.

Basically, today is a huge day. Players are coloring their hair blue (and now I'm seeing that it was only temporary), fans are going nuts on the local airwaves, and you better believe that there'll be a bunch of face painting. All of these things are great ways for fans to express their hockey love, but they are definitely not essential.

What is essential to have upon your arrival to Philips Arena this evening is the following:

- your Southeast Division Champions t-shirt that you bought at the game last Saturday (you know you have one);

- if there's some reason that you do not have this shirt, a Welcome to Blueland t-shirt will make do... for now;

- another visible item of clothing needs to be blue - this applies to pants (I'll have blue jeans), shoes (I have blue Pumas), socks (where I'm lacking), hats (I guess I can rock the Thrashers hat that I have from earlier this season), and/or gloves. I'm sure there's more I can add to this list, but, because it's 60+ degrees outside, I'm refusing to add "shorts" because this is playoff hockey! Shorts are NOT worn at playoff hockey games... I don't care how damned hot it is outside;

- if you've stock-piled 'em up until now, pull out your Thrashers thunder sticks, inflate, and make contact.

- a mouth that's ready to scream, yell, BE LOUD for hours on end. If you can avoid talking until the game, I highly advise it. Drink plenty of water, drink some hot tea - just do anything to preserve your throat;

- you better not forget that jersey of your's. Whether it be the old away (navy/maroon) jersey that was retired last season, the current away (white) jersey, or the current home jersey, you wear it.

- and, what is perhaps the most essential item of your inaugural Atlanta Thrashers playoff experience, yourself! If you don't have a ticket, get your rear down to Philips and spend the evening in Centennial Park and watch the game on the big screen across the street from CNN Center - it's guaranteed to be on there while the game is going on inside.

So everyone, get up, grab your garb and head over to Philips Arena and let the atmosphere take you over... because tonite is gonna change your life. It's that serious!