There was no discernible difference in the atmosphere at the Thrashers practice facility in Duluth early this week.  Except for a car in the parking lot smeared with messages proclaiming the team’s SE Division championship, and all the media questions to coach Bob Hartley and the players referencing the post-season, it was just another day at the rink.

And that’s probably just as it should be.  Yes, these are historic times on the Atlanta hockey landscape.  The Thrashers not only clinched their first-ever playoff berth, but they did it in grand style by earning their first divisional championship, as well.  And to top off those feats, the team will play part of its first-round series on one of the biggest stages in all of sports:  Madison Square Garden.  The attention on this series, because it is the New York Rangers the Thrashers have drawn as their first opponent, will go well beyond regional boundaries.  Make no mistake.  When the puck is dropped in game one this week, the Thrashers will be stepping on a national stage against a franchise that is surely one of the most storied in the history of the league.  And the spotlight will be bright.

However, as meaningful as that is for this young franchise and its continued growth, and as exciting as it is for Atlanta as a burgeoning hockey town, for the players it shouldn’t matter one iota where the games are being played or who the opponent is.  These playoffs, even the first in franchise history, should be treated like business as usual by the players.  And that’s exactly the atmosphere that permeated the practice rink days before game one.  This team may be new to NHL post-season battles, but the Thrashers roster is dotted with players who know getting to the playoffs is just step one.  And they also know full well – the blinding glare of the New York City spotlight notwithstanding – that the most important thing they can do is to keep their eyes focused on the real prize.  And that won’t be lifted for many weeks to come.