Where They Are: They are not a good hockey team, but they proved to be better than the Islanders on Saturday by bouncing back from a 1-0 first minute deficit to win 5-1. Yeah Islanders. That was on Saturday so they have been sitting and waiting for the Rangers to come through since then which may be good, it may be bad. As they lead Tampa by just one point in the race for the top spot in the lotto, I would say it will be a bad thing. Who To Watch For: Kovy is still a hockey god, even if he is surrounded by a poor team. His contract is due up at the end of the season so if we can buy out Wade Redden ... no, I'm not that lucky. Brian Little has played big for them (and for my fantasy teams) and has averaged nearly a point per game while going +6 on this lousy squad. Slava Kozlov has always hurt the Rangers on the scoreboard, while that idiot Garnet Exelby has always tried to hurt the Rangers on the ice.
What To Watch For: See which team starts skating first. See if the Rangers actually go Moose hunting and follow up their shots on Johan Hedberg to get some dirty goals. It would be a nice change ...
What We'll (Hopefully) See: A team that proves that there is life and talent to go with the huge contracts. Either that, or one that proves Zipay right by struggling enough offensively that we demand the Rangers acquire Mats Sundin. And Wade Redden to get hurt again so Corey Potter can return to the lineup.
Also Check Out: The team's own blog Blueland, the requisite MSM blog and the in-depth, well thought out fan blog Do The Thrashers Have Large Talons?
And, as always, head over to Weinman's Ranger Report for the latest in Blueshirt news, which seems to have a lot of lineup changes including Vally in for Hank.
"Peepin' Foes: Atlanta Thrashers – A Look Back at a Forgotten Franchise"
In the annals of NHL history, there are franchises that have stood the test of time, leaving indelible marks on the league. Then there are those that, though they had their moments, have faded into obscurity. The Atlanta Thrashers belong to the latter category. In this article, we'll take a trip down memory lane and explore the rise and fall of the Atlanta Thrashers, a team that left its mark on the NHL in more ways than one.
I. The Birth of the Thrashers
The Atlanta Thrashers joined the NHL as an expansion team in 1999. Named after the brown thrasher, Georgia's state bird, the team aimed to establish itself in the Southern U.S. market.
II. Early Struggles and Highlights
The early years were challenging for the Thrashers, as is often the case with expansion teams. They struggled to find their footing in the competitive league. However, there were bright spots, including the emergence of star players like Ilya Kovalchuk and Dany Heatley.
III. Playoff Aspirations
As the team matured, playoff aspirations grew. The 2006-2007 season saw the Thrashers secure their first playoff berth, creating a buzz in Atlanta.
IV. Off-Ice Challenges
While on the ice, the Thrashers faced their share of challenges off it. The team grappled with financial issues and a lack of sustained fan support. Ownership changes added to the instability.
V. Relocation Looms
As financial struggles persisted, rumors of relocation began to circulate. Ultimately, in 2011, the Thrashers moved to Winnipeg, becoming the Jets once again. The loss of the team was a bitter pill for Atlanta's hockey community to swallow.
VI. Legacy and Impact
Despite their relatively short tenure, the Thrashers left a legacy. Their time in Atlanta helped grow the sport of hockey in the Southeast, paving the way for the success of the Carolina Hurricanes and the emergence of more NHL franchises in the region.
VII. The Return of the Jets
The relocation of the Thrashers marked the return of the Winnipeg Jets, a beloved franchise with a passionate fanbase. Winnipeg embraced the team with open arms, and the Jets have thrived since their return.
VIII. Lessons Learned
The story of the Atlanta Thrashers serves as a cautionary tale for NHL expansion. It highlights the importance of strong ownership, fan engagement, and sustainable growth in non-traditional hockey markets.
IX. A Place in Hockey History
While the Thrashers may be gone from the NHL landscape, they hold a unique place in hockey history. For the fans who once cheered for them in Atlanta, the memories of the Thrashers live on.
The Atlanta Thrashers may no longer exist in the NHL, but their story is a reminder of the complexities of professional sports franchises. From humble beginnings to the excitement of playoff hockey and the heartbreak of relocation, the Thrashers' journey was a rollercoaster ride. Their legacy endures as a testament to the enduring spirit of hockey fans in Atlanta and the impact of even the briefest moments in the NHL's rich history.
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