All the Hype of Prom Night

“Danny, you eh, you’re not, you’re not good” - Chevy Chase as Ty in “Caddyshack”

Eighteen Thousand plus, donned in blue, cheered as the Southeast Division Champions banner was theatrically hoisted to the rafters accompanied by a regal soundtrack from the Philips PA system. The lighting was majestic. “Let’s go Thrashers” rang over and over, through the bulb, into the Nest and through the tunnels. The stage was set. Then the puck was dropped, someone depressed the suck button and left it on all weekend.

IIya, I’d like to introduce Todd White. Todd, this is IIya. It didn’t seem as if these two had met before the home opener on Friday. The same can be said for our other offensive lines and defensive pairing. It appeared that no one knew where the others would be on the ice except during an eight minute stretch in the second period. The passing was sloppy, legs were slow, and shots were scarce and uneventful. The matador style of defense also left much to be desired. Our Defensemen repeatedly screened Kari and our Goalie did all he could to keep the game close. With about 5 minutes left in the first period the thought came to me that it appeared that our team had never been on the ice together. The puck possession battle was dominated by the mighty Caps. And for good measure, the Thrashers also spent a substantial amount of time in the penalty box. But it’s early yet and these things happen. Team chemistry does take time it would be wise to have some patience.

On Saturday night in Tampa the Thrashers totaled only 12 more shots than the wife and I, as we watched in horror. The Moose played well despite giving up five goals. If he hadn’t, The Vinnies and Brad Richards might all have had hat tricks. But it’s too early to declare that the sky is falling. After all, even the champion Ducks got smoked by the Jackets so maybe there is nothing to worry about? Unfortunately, there is something to worry about. We’re small. We’re a very small team and we’re not growing.

During the pre-game skate IIya looked huge on the ice. It wasn’t because he hit the gym over the summer. He simply is one of our biggest players. Standing next to Perrin, Enstrom, Sterling, White and Little, IIya is a giant. This is not a good thing. We’re a very small finesse team, built for speed, with questionable Defensemen. The speed is negated if the passing is ineffective. If the lines don’t gel quickly, the Thrashers could be a ghost in SE division by Halloween. There are only two remaining home games in October. We play eight on the road.

It is too early to panic but Atlanta needs to play with some urgency and heart immediately. The next few weeks will be a test for all. Marian Hossa was quoted as saying that the Thrashers were getting out-worked. I agree but I don’t know if they are physical enough to compete with teams with above average NHL size. I really hope I am off-base about this size deficiency. If not, I may have to become a fan of the NBA and this could be a long winter. There will be 40 more trips to Philips for myself and my friends this year. The jaunt through Atlanta at rush hour is considerably more unpleasant if your team’s record is 3-11.

Mr. Brightside

The weekend’s losses contained some brief moments of brilliance. Brian Little scored his first NHL goal on Friday on an off the Goalies back shot a la “The Great One.” Toby Enstrom also showed that he has above average quickness, a superb handle and excellent vision. His no-look pass to Slava, which resulted in our second goal on Saturday, was SportsCenter quality. Hossa was Hossa on Saturday as he manhandled Paul Ranger, stole the puck and zipped a laser over the left shoulder of Lightning Keeper Holmqvist. These moments were few and far between. For the most part, the Thrashers were thoroughly outplayed by two SE division foes and are off to a shaky start.

The Key to October

It’s coaching, plain and simple. Effective repetition and fundamental practice will result in team chemistry if the talent is present. The Thrashers appear to have enough talent to make this season interesting. Coach Hartley now has to make the club click. That’s his job. Don Waddell assembles the players and the head coach’s responsibility is to create line combinations that allow players and the team to be successful. Training camp and preseason is over. These games count. The dapper coach’s wit and sense of humor won’t be very amusing if the current trend continues.

Next Week

The Thrashers next face Ottawa, the Sabres and Devils. It’s gut check time. A big, juicy, round donut in the win column come next Sunday is unacceptable. Accumulating at least two to four points this week is crucial to the confidence of our beloved Atlanta squad. Momentum can swing 180 degrees on one play. Who wants to make that play?

Your Loyal Servant,
Sean Grace

PS: Send a comment, let me know how much you disagree.