Redemption In Blueland

"There's a little roller up along first....and it gets through Buckner, and the Mets win!" ... (Vin Scully's call of the Mets 1986 game six World Series victory over the Red Sox.)

I just couldn't help myself. The gentlemen donning the Red Sox hat seated two rows ahead of me had it coming. When A puck went through the wickets of the Bruins point man on their power play I pulled out this little gem. A good sport, he winced, and acknowledged the moment. On a night when the Patriots completed a brilliant 16-0 season, the Celtics record stood at an NBA best 25-3 and the Sox are the current World Series Champions, this little jab was justified.

Nothing went right for Boston on Saturday in Blueland as the Thrashers dominated the Bruins and went on to coast to a 5-0 victory. When Bobby Holik fired a Hail Mary off the skate of Andrew Ference into the net after Bruins Goalie Alex Auld strayed out of his crease, you knew it was going to be a good night for the Boys in Blue. It was justice. After the Thrashers lost in snake bitten fashion to the Panthers on Thursday the hockey Gods evened the score on this night. The Thrashers thoroughly outplayed the Cats in our previous game, totaling 41 shots on goal but every bounce went in Florida's favor. The Panthers scored four goals against Kari Lehtonen on alleged "deflections" en route to a very frustrating 5-3 victory. Tonight the scales evened.

Joy in Blueland

The Thrashers played a near perfect two periods. The passing was tight and not overly abundant. Pucks were thrown at the net, boards were crashed, shots were blocked, scoring opportunities were cashed in by players other than Kovy and Chris Thorburn won his first fight of the year. IIya of course added a goal with his patented invisible slap shot that can not be seen even on a slow motion reply. The third period was tranquil and relaxing for the first time in a long time. The wife sipped her hot chocolate and never yelled once at a Ref. Shooter, a section 119 legend, spread tidings of holiday joy to all that would accept them. Taking a 5-0 lead into the third period improves the behavior of the masses exponentially.

It was a good night to borrow money from someone wearing a Blue jersey with a bird on it. After the first period the collective joy of domination permeated the bulb. They were smiling in beer lines, grinning in the concourse, and giggling in the team store. I thought I heard a Christmas carol being sung in the Nasty Nest. Of course they followed this seasonal song of good will toward men with "Santa, Santa, SANTA, you suck!." Even the Aristocrats in the club section added their corporate voices to a few cheers. Yes, the holiday spirit overtook Philips arena and we all went home with the warm glow on satisfaction.

"Today's news is tomorrow's fish wrapper"

My warm-hearted CEO offered this little gem to me once in a meeting as I shared the recent triumphs of my division. At the time I wanted to swing a bag of apples in his general direction but upon further review it's good point. Our beloved team has a tendency to follow a great game with sub-par effort and overconfident play. The truth is we're not a great hockey club. The Thrashers must give 100% effort in every game in order to be playing hockey during the second week of April. Hopefully Captain Holik and Coach Waddell will remind the boys that they are currently a .500 team and on pace to total 82 points and be out of playoffs.

I don't want to throw a heaping bucket of bile on this glorious victory. What confuses me is why the same team that played a tight, near perfect game versus Boston can be so inconsistent. Is it ADD or perhaps the dreaded ADHD that afflicts this club? Does the same Attention Deficit Disorder that has doctors handing out Ridilin like M&M's to grade school kids have hold of the Thrashers? The Thrashers have the talent and have worked hard to acquire the chemistry needed to win our division. Focus boys, the season is long and every point is crucial.

Most improved Thrashers

Over the last few weeks, a handful of Thrashers have elevated their games. Here is a list,in ascending order, of the most improved players:

5) Ken Klee - His legs are moving again and he has a recent tendency to break up odd-man rushes.

4) Alexei Zhitnik - After a long slumber, the veteran has regained some of the form that fueled the Thrasher's successful stretch run last year. He also netted his first goal last night.

3) Bobby Holik - The Captain has been hitting like a mad man lately. His physical play is critical. We're not a big team and the big guys need to play big.

2) Nick Havelid - The opportunity to play with rookie Toby Enstrom has been a Godsend to Nicky. He has shined in a mentoring role and his textbook defensive technique has returned. Big ups to very nice guy!

1) Steve McCarthy - First off I'd like to apologize for suggesting he take up pizza delivery as a career. Stevie Mac's play has taken a 180 degree turn for the better recently. He hits, he defends, he hustles, he is very solid on the ice. My guess is that job security issues may have been the motivating factor. Whatever the cause, hats off to number five.

Home Sweet Home

The Thrashers have 5 straight home games scheduled from Jan 4-12 with strong Eastern Conference teams. This stretch is going to go a long way in determining our fate this year. Come out and support the team by placing your posterior in a seat at Philips. Who knows, you might feel the love that infected the arena on 12/29/07.

A Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night...

Your Loyal Servant,

Sean Grace