My Newspaper
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Thrashers Storm Back Against Devil
Posted by:
Ben Wright on
February 15, 2008 at
11:21PM EST
Here are the key points form tonight's phenomenal shootout win in New Jersey,
compliments of our PR staff: * Marian Hossa scored with just 19 seconds
remaining in regulation to tie the game at three and send it to overtime, and
the Thrashers were victorious after 10 shootout attempts coming away with a 4-3
road victory against the New Jersey Devils … Atlanta’s record stands at 29-27-4
for 62 points … The Thrashers are tied with Carolina (29-27-4, 62 points) for
first place in the Southeast Division.
* The Thrashers battled back from a 2-0 deficit and a 3-2 deficit to earn the
victory tonight … Atlanta improved its record to 14-4 in games that extend past
regulation, including a perfect 6-0 mark in overtime and an 8-4 record in the
shootout.
* Hossa tallied two points (one goal, one assist) tonight and now has goals in
three straight games … He has five points (three goals, two assists) in that
span and has tallied 53 points (26 goals, 27 assists) in 57 games this season.
* Ilya Kovalchuk scored his team-leading 40th goal of the season, making him the
only player in the NHL to score at least 40 in each of the last four seasons …
Kovalchuk also added one assist tonight and leads the Thrashers with 67 points
(40 goals, 27 assists) in 57 games.
* Forward Todd White also scored for the Thrashers, netting his 12th goal of the
season at the 11:31 mark of second period … White has recorded 34 points (12
goals, 22 assists) in 60 games during his first year with the Thrashers.
* It took a season-high 10 round shootout to decide tonight’s contest … Pascal
Dupuis scored the game-deciding goal, while Hossa and Kovalchuk each scored on
their shootout attempts … Goaltender Johan Hedberg turned away eight-of-10 New
Jersey shooters to preserve the win.
* Hedberg made 30 saves on 33 shots in regulation and overtime … He owns a
13-10-2 mark with one shutout, a 3.30 GAA and a .896 save percentage in 27 games
… Hedberg has earned a 4-2 record in the shootout this season and an 8-2 mark in
his career.
* The Thrashers are back in action tomorrow night when the travel to face the NY
Islanders (7 p.m., SportSouth, 680 The Fan) in the second game of their current
five-game road swing.
My quick observations (because it's Friday night and I'm not spending the end of
it blogging):
- People have been saying Marian Hossa doesn't want to be in Atlanta. Did
he look like a guy that doesn't want to be on this team tonight? Five points
in three games including three clutch goals.
- Apparently the best way to beat Brodeur in a shootout is with a shot,
not a deke. Who saw that Hossa slapper coming? I'd wager he hasn't scored 10
goals like that in his entire pro career. And hats off to Kovy and Dupuis
for beating Brodeur with absolutely perfect shots. Why do I have the feeling
that Thorburn won't be before Dupuis the next time a shootout goes 10
rounds?
- The Panthers beat the Capitals in regulation. The result is that Atlanta
and Carolina are tied with 62 points and Florida and Washington are just two
back at 60.
- The Thrashers now sit at 29-27-4. By NHL standards that puts them at two
games over .500 for the first time this season.
- If you were wondering when the last time Ilya Kovalchuk and Marian Hossa
scored in the same game was, it was January 6.
- Moose is doing exactly what the team needs him to do- stepping in and
winning games one at a time while Kari gets a breather. It's clear at this
point that Lehtonen is the starter, but Hedberg is still serving a valuable
role. Hedberg has always been strong in spot duty. In fact, he hasn't had a
losing record in a season since 2002-03. His 27 appearances this season are
his most since 2001-02.
Next up- the Islanders.
(17) Comments
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Posted by: Joann on February 16, 2008 12:04AM EST
Tonight is a very important game for the Thrashers to win. Its fantastic game!!
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Posted by: Mistrtomatlantak on February 16, 2008 5:30AM EST
I agree with you, but we must TRADE Hossa!
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Posted by: Michael on February 16, 2008 9:06AM EST
According to DW's comments on NHL.com yesterday, it we stay in the race to win the southeast division and he doesn't get any good offers for Hossa, he could finish the year here. If he leaves, this team will be left will a huge hole that can not be filled!
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Posted by: Dmatos on February 16, 2008 9:49AM EST
The hole will be filled with the $7M we offered him. I'd rather see us rent him out to a true contender for the playoffs and resign him in the offseason. We should also be looking at extensions NOW for Perrin, Moose, Lehtonen and Enstrom.
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Posted by: Anonymous on February 16, 2008 9:51AM EST
I say we keep Hossa. He is playing like someone who wants to help the team win as many games as possible. I was talking with another fan, and he says that he thinks that they may trade him for Komisarek, a 6'4 defenseman from Montreal. We could use another quality defender, but I was also watching a game on Sportsouth and the comment was made that Hossa is the #1 penalty killer on the team; his defensive abilities as well as his offensive prowess is much needed. He has 53 points- 26 goals and 27 assists, second to Kovy. This is not as good as last season, but I could see him ending up with at least 76 point with at least 33 goals. Who would not want to have a winger with at least 30 goals. I think he should stay!!!
On another note, Ben, do you think there will be another morning skate at the Ice Forum before the February 21st game?
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Posted by: Ben Wright on February 16, 2008 10:49AM EST
The Thrashers practice in Duluth on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday before flying to Raleigh for the game on the 21st.
http://thrashers.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=328954
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Posted by: Anonymous on February 16, 2008 10:54AM EST
Why do you bring up Perrin and Enstrom? Or did someone else?
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Posted by: Andrew on February 16, 2008 11:07AM EST
One could make the argument that Hossa's stellar play is more of an audition than a sign he wants to stay.
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Posted by: Ben Wright on February 16, 2008 11:32AM EST
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Posted by: Sam on February 16, 2008 12:56PM EST
Hedberg needs to be re-signed. I know we've got Pavelec in Chicago, but apparently he can't put together long stretches yet either. And how's he going to DEVELOP as a back-up goaltender?? Who didn't look at that Kari assist on Hossa's goal the other night and think MOOSE? It was a Moose move, not a Kari one. Kari's learning alot about puckhandling and professionalism from Moose. And he needs to learn alot more. Hedberg adds so much to this team beyond backup goaltending. He got the Player's Player Award from the team last year, for goodness' sake. Sign him.
And speaking of which...maybe Hoss is feeling a little relief knowing Don will likely just keep him through the end of the season. I've suspected that Hossa's head has been messed up this season with the pressure of a trade or contract. I mean, he's underperformed, but talent like his just doesn't go away (I can't explain what's happened to Kozlov, though). Maybe a little less pressure on Hoss...a little breathing room...and he'll continue his return to the Hossa of last season.
I would have chosen Dup before Thorburn, Enstrom or Holik. Loved Hossa's slapper. Wondered why Bobby didn't do that. He's got a helluva slapshot...his best move, really. Let's just not go that deep again, OK? My blood pressure can't take it.
One more thought...Moose taking the rap for X on that own-goal. Classy. No wonder they love him. He's a real class act.
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Posted by: Ray on February 16, 2008 1:13PM EST
Sam give Thorburn and Holik a break, they are First timers of the shoot out. Nerves probably played a factor.
I think the coach sould play the fourth line a little bit more. The work effort is there, they need some more ice time. Maybe ecen try them on the power play. Since the power play as of now is not that great.
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Posted by: Scott on February 16, 2008 1:32PM EST
Hedberg "I thought the puck went off my stick and in, I don't even think it touched exelby"
One of the reasons why any team would love him :)
I agree we better resign him.
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Ben,
What time does the morning skate start?
I agree about Hedberg, Dupuis, and Perrin. Resign all three. The last two or three games, both Dupuis and Perrin have really stepped it up a notch. At the Vancouver game, Dupuis just kept coming and coming against Luongo until he got that 1st goal. I just wished he had 4 instead of 1. Same with Perrin at the Washington game, they took back his 1st goal and then he scores a few minutes later, and again in the shootout. It was awesome. Perrin just seemed to have Kolzig's number that night.
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Just making sure, but the morning skate is at the Ice Forum, right? Isn't the Ice Forum off the Sugarloaf Pkwy. exit and then turn right onto Satellite Blvd.? Just asking because I am coming from south of the airport, and I have never been to a morning skate.
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Nevermind. I looked on the info on the website and got it.
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Posted by: Pete on February 16, 2008 6:09PM EST
Dupuis won't resign he wants a breakout seaon and he won't get it here. The trashers need a veteran backup goalie but not Hedberg. His GAA is 3.30 44th in the league and his save % is .896 40th in the league. Both of those stats are out of 44 goalies. Wadell wants to build around strong netminding and this guy has let him down. Besides Hedberg is not that much of a veteran he ha sonly played in 204 games with 88 wins. Kari has played in 142 games with 71 wins.
Also Kari is 11th in saves and 26th in GAA.
This foolishness about Atlanta has two starting goaltenders is bad for the goalies and the team.
By the way the pass out to the open man move is not a Hedberg move nice try Sam. The only assists Hedberg has gotten lately is the three to the sabers he played from behind our net to the open saber for a goal on us.
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Posted by: Michael on February 16, 2008 10:18PM EST
It would be nice if Slava would show up for all of our games. He is making $3mm+ and on pace for exactly half of his production last year. We give you a nice contract and what do we get in return? If you watch him play the game, he looks like he is coasting. I see no passion in his game at all.
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