Primal Scream

“No lead is safe at this point. Our guys are hungry and there's no quit in them." - The Don

Damn straight brother Don! Anyone remember the listless, pulse-less wonders who slept through an 0-6 start? Forget em, version two of the Thrashers are 5-3 and clutch.

Good stories from the road usually include tension, a struggle, a defining moment and a resulting camaraderie. The tension certainly was present when the club hit the road at 1-6. If the trip yielded 3 points, the Blueland faithful might have been thrown into a long, cold winter funk. Each win on this trip was a struggle. The Thrashers largest margin of victory was two goals in Tampa. This brings us to the defining moment. Runner up in this category goes to Bryan Little as he casually puts in a goal versus the Habs during the shootout. His move was polished and cool but his reaction is what impressed me. He had none. Just like a Wide Receiver who hands the ball to the Ref instead of going into a choreographed dance, Little knows he’ll be there again. Great poise and class by #10. But the winner of the defining moment award is Ilya, “Mr. Clutch”, “The Man who will be Captain”, “Mr. Thrasher”, “The hardest working Russian in Atlanta”, Kovalchuk. On this trip he had two clinching SO goals, two hat tricks in a row, played on the PK, played the point on the PP, had career highs in ice time, scored a short-handed goal and generally carried the Thrashers. His defining moment happened on Saturday night in Tampa.

At 4-1 in the second period it didn’t look good. The Thrashers were getting bad breaks on crazy bounces off the boards and lucky passes by Tampa. And then our hero slipped a puck past Holmqvist with a Defender on his back to make it 4-2 Tampa. A minute later, Hossa ripped another into the back of the net and the game was on. Seven minutes into the Third, Ilya drove the crease and effortlessly tied the game with his patented quick release. He slammed his fist into the glass, raised his head to the sky and let out a visceral scream. Even the crappy Sports South Network microphones picked up his scream. This was not the old orchestrated Kovy celebratory yell/sliding fist pump. This sound came from within. It had anger. It seemed to say, “Got ya Motherf&*^%$!” He was possessed, the Lightning was extinguished and the game was over right then and there. Little assisted on the game winner with a brilliant pass to Dupuis and then, like any feel good Hollywood ending, the hero capped it off with an EN for the hat-trick.

If you were reading last week you’ll notice that I told you Ilya had changed. He graphically displayed his greatness and maturity in the last two games of this successful road trip. At 24, Kovy has become a leader and is now one of the best all-around players in the NHL.

On paper a 4-3 road trip doesn’t seem that impressive. If the Thrashers lose the Tampa game the trip is a mild disappointment. But they didn’t lose and they have acquired the habit of winning close games. Good teams find a way to win close games. Bad teams find new and creative ways to lose one-goal games. The difference between an 85 point team and a 97 point team is the ability to win the game that is up for grabs. I think this Thrasher team has that intangible quality and drive. And this comes from camaraderie, team cohesion and confidence in each other. This year just might be fun after all.

The Roving Gang in Blue

If you were watching on Saturday night you noticed that a motley crew of Thrasher fans took possession of an entire section in Tampa. My buddy Karri S, donning the extended goatee, and his associates looked like they were having a great time. They also were not shy about cheering for our boys in hostile territory. You made me proud. Please let me know when you are planning another trip.

It will be nice to come home to the friendly confines of Blueland. The last game at Philips was October 18th and a different, more confident team is returning to home ice on Tuesday. Come and hang out with my friends and me in the bulb. It’s the best entertainment value in the South.

Your Loyal Servant,

Sean Grace

PS: Send a comment or I will harass you once again.