After dropping two straight one-goal games in which they did a lot of things right the Thrashers got two points out of a game in which they probably didn't perform as well. They were good in the first period against the Lightning, terrible in the second and desperate in the third. Desperate worked and got them to overtime where Alexei Zhitnik of all people put the game away. Zhitnik has four goals as a Thrasher going back to last season and two of them are OT game-winners.

As mentioned yesterday some of the Braves went to the game. I stopped by and got a chance to talk to Chuck James and Jo-Jo Reyes who were joined by Buddie Carlyle and Charlie Morton. Both of them were attending their first NHL game and it was Reyes' first hockey game of any kind.

Both players commented on how hockey is a lot faster in person than it looks on TV.

Reyes grew up in Riverside, California- close to Anaheim and LA- but he wasn't really exposed to the game. Asked what his favorite part of the game was through the second period (when the score was 1-0 Tampa) the lefty-handed pitcher said he was a fan of the hitting.

Chuck James liked the physical stuff too. His favorite moment?

"The almost fight. This is my ever professional hockey game. I went to one other one in Michigan. I had a buddy that went to the University of Michigan and they fought a lot."

James echoed Reyes, saying the game was a lot of fun and a lot better in person than on TV.

James sounded a little bit disappointed when he said that they probably wouldn't be able to make it to another game given that the pitchers leave for spring training on Tuesday.

James is confident in the Braves' chances to win their division, pointing out that on paper the Braves have a great team.

"It all boils down to if we can stay healthy though," he said.

After I returned to the press box I made a point of keeping an eye on the group throughout the third period and overtime. They didn't get the fight they wanted but they did get a comeback goal and an OT winner and they certainly looked like they were enjoying themselves.

Next up- Casino Night. I'll be there and if all goes well on the technological end I'll be posting pictures and anecdotes throughout the night for those of you who can't attend. Garnet Exelby said he has something up his sleeve to add to his outfit so we'll find out what that it. Last year he rocked a hat and a brutal 80's mustache.

Brad Larsen has a pretty good beard going right now so maybe he has something special in mind for that tonight.
 Time will tell.

The NHL has a pitchman in David Boreanaz. The star of the TV show Bones and cult favorite Angel was born in Buffalo but moved to Pennsylvania when he was young and grew up a Flyers fan. I had a chance to talk with him briefly on the red carpet on Saturday and he was impressed with the fan turnout for the All-Star Game events.

"The outpour of the support for the NHL here in the city of Atlanta is great. It's amazing to see the big huge red carpet and all the fans for the All-Star game. This is all a good thing."

I asked him what he was most looking forward too this weekend and he didn't hesitate. Watching the young players.

"I can't wait to see all the young players, especially at the skills competition. I'm looking forward to seeing what they can do. What some of them can do with the puck is unbelievable. The way they pass, move and shoot- the way these young guys can play it's going to be a whole different game in 10 years. It's cool to see all that."

It's not hard to tell the celebrities that are out to be seen from the ones who are genuine fans, and Boreanaz is definitely a fan.

After his comments about the young players I did a few minutes worth of digging and it's interesting to note that 24 of the 42 All-Stars are under the age of 30, and a good chunk of that group is closer to 20 than 30. There's definitely a youth movement afoot in the NHL, and they're bringing a new enthusiasm and creativity to the game.

Last Saturday some special guests took in the Thrashers game against the Carolina Hurricanes. Marcy Rylan and Lawrence St. Victor of The Guiding Light fame watched the game and took a look behind the scenes at Philips Arena.

Did you know that The Guiding Light has been on TV since 1952 and originally started as a radio program in 1937?

Marcy Rylan and Lawrence St. Victor with Thrash.

Marcy and Lawrence take in the game from the First Horizon Club.

Marcy and Lawrence with John Kincaid from 680 The Fan.

Marcy and Lawrence with GM Don Waddell, shortly before Waddell announced the trade for Alexei Zhitnik.

Marcy and Lawrence and friends up in a suite.

Lawrence mugs for the camera with everyone's favorite big bird- Thrash.