Let's say you are a Minnesota Wild fan watching the Thrashers for the first time. As the 4th line for the Thrashers takes the ice you notice the speed of number 23. Then you notice the passion. His hitting is extraordinary. Number 23 is everywhere. He hustles. He plays shut-down defense. His passing is crisp. At this point, my Gofer loving friend, you are perplexed. Why would this talent being playing only on the energy line? And then the puck comes onto Slater's stick....and off his stick....and it all makes sense.
In golf they call it "the yips". In most other sports the phrase is much more evil - choking. This dreaded tendency is the antithesis of clutch. For a while Jimmy Slater was afflicted. His game was far above average until he possessed the puck in a scoring area. He shanked. He whiffed. He fell down. He felt shame.
This disease has a fatality rate well over 50% for most young professional athletes who play in a major sport. The opportunity to overcome it is rarely given to a player that exhibits symptoms over an extended period of time. Slater has gone through extended scoring droughts in his career that have threatened his job security. Slater's first goal during the 2007-2008 didn't come until 2008. His play without the puck and in non-scoring situations kept him in Atlanta and in the NHL.
Last season Slater greatly improved his hands and confidence near the goal. His shot was much more convincing as was his foot work near the net. Although his point total was not overly impressive on paper, the evolution of his offensive game was noticeable.
It's not points that keeps Slater on the ice in Atlanta, it's heart. Slater plays the game like kid on a frozen pond. He makes the most of his limited ice time and along with 4th line teammates, Chris Thorburn and Eric Boulton, knocks the will to play out of opponents on some nights. Jimmy has an extra gear on the ice that is seldom seem in the NHL. His 45 second shifts often include multiple hits, a shot on goal, a solid pass and a bruised and winded opponent. Rarely is his ice time uneventful.
Slater has been a fan favorite since he joined the Thrashers in 2005. The 2002 first-round pick is impossible to dislike. Off the ice he behaves like a guy who doesn't take his job for granted. At the Thrasher annual casino nights, Slater can usually be found running a lively roulette table and enjoying a few beverages with fans. He is utterly approachable and lights up the room with positive energy.
If Slater works on his puck handling, shot and moves in tight during this off-season , there is no reason that 30 points isn't attainable next season. He has all the tools and just needs to take the correct one out of his bag at the appropriate time. Production on the 4th line could result in five "bonus" points in the standings for the Thrashers next season. Slater is the key.
Your Loyal Servant,
Sean Grace
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