Peepin' Foes: Atlanta Thrashers

The Blueshirts will continue to rip the hearts out of their fans by making them pay to watch them fail when they face the Atlanta Thrashers on Monday night in Madison Square Garden (7p, MSG). Several of the beat guys have said that Brandon Dubinsky may return early from his injury but, seeing as the team needs a helluva lot more than him to right the ship, another two day's rest should be in order.

Where We Are: Losers of six out of seven, the Rangers are bloated lifeless corpse of a once-proud franchise. Sure there have been good moments here and there but they get more and more difficult to watch with each passing game. If something magical doesn't happen starting in this game, all hope of the playoffs will be gone by New Years. Overly dramatic much? No, not much in today's NHL.

Where They Are: Atlanta broke a three game losing streak by beating the Mexican'ts Montreal Canadiens 4-3 in overtime on Saturday thanks to the remarkably under-rated Ilya Kovalchuk. They are 16-11-3 which is good for second in the Southeast and seventh in the conference. Atlanta is five points above the Rangers and have a game in hand.

Who To Watch For: Kovalchuk is still an all-world player and would be a true superstar anywhere outside of Atlanta - probably a top-five singular offensive talent in the league (Cindy, Ovie, Iggy, Gabby). Kovy has been helped by a pair of former communists: our playoff rental from last season, Borat Nik Antropov and Buffalo cast-off Maxim Afinogenov. The other -ov, Slava Kozlov, is showing his age but is always dangerous. And Rich Peverley came out of nowhere in Nashville last season to put up some good numbers before heading south over the summer. He is averaging nearly a point per game for the Birds.

What To Watch For: Signs of life from the Blueshirts. Marc Staal attempting to contain Kovy. See if Gabby can find any holes in Moose Hedberg or Ondrej Pavelec, who have been nothing short of spectacular for Atlanta. Brashear to fight Eric Boulton again to justify their salaries. Evander Kane had a goal and an assist the last time so see if Torts plans any kind of coverage (don't bet on it).

What We'll (Hopefully) See: Signs of life from the Blueshirts. A Garden that isn't half empty. MDZ to be better than Zach Bogosian. Erik Christensen to get some ice time and do better than old buddy Colby Armstrong. No softies allowed by Hank. With no Pareneau and Dubi questionable, Lisin to step back in and prove worthwhile. Vinny Prospal remembering how to score. Higgins getting one of his 700 shots in. Drury, Redden and Rozy not doing anything to hurt the team too badly. Kotalik getting a chance to shoot the puck, while restraining himself from checking from behind.

Also Check Out: Atlanta keeps their own blog/PR machine called Blueland, the requisite MSM blog and the in-depth, well thought out fan blog Do The Thrashers Have Large Talons? (I hate the SBN name so I won't use it.)

 Peepin' Foes: Atlanta Thrashers - The Rise and Fall of a Hockey Dream

In the world of professional ice hockey, some stories are marked by triumph and success, while others are tinged with challenges and heartbreak. The Atlanta Thrashers' brief but eventful history in the National Hockey League (NHL) falls into the latter category. This article, "Peepin' Foes: Atlanta Thrashers," delves into the captivating narrative of a team that captured the hearts of fans in Georgia, only to face adversity that ultimately led to its relocation. We'll explore the Thrashers' journey, memorable moments, key players, and address frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide a comprehensive understanding of this unique chapter in NHL history.

Table of Contents

Introduction to the Atlanta Thrashers

The Thrashers' Beginnings in Atlanta

Key Players and Memorable Moments

Challenges and Struggles

The Relocation to Winnipeg

Legacy and Impact

FAQs About the Atlanta Thrashers

: Remembering the Thrashers' Hockey Dream

1. Introduction to the Atlanta Thrashers

The Atlanta Thrashers were a professional ice hockey team based in Atlanta, Georgia, and a member of the Southeast Division in the Eastern Conference of the NHL. Their story is one of aspirations, excitement, and ultimately, heartbreak, as the team faced numerous challenges during its time in the league.

2. The Thrashers' Beginnings in Atlanta

The Atlanta Thrashers were established in 1999 as part of the NHL's expansion into non-traditional hockey markets. The team's name, "Thrashers," paid homage to the brown thrasher, the state bird of Georgia. Their arrival was met with enthusiasm from Atlanta's sports fans, who were eager to embrace professional hockey.

3. Key Players and Memorable Moments

Despite their relatively short history, the Thrashers had their share of standout players and memorable moments:

1. Ilya Kovalchuk: Kovalchuk, a Russian forward, was the face of the franchise and a prolific goal scorer during his tenure in Atlanta.

2. Dany Heatley: Heatley, another talented forward, made a significant impact during his time with the Thrashers.

3. Playoff Berth: In the 2006-2007 season, the Thrashers clinched their first-ever playoff berth, a momentous achievement for the franchise and its fans.

4. Challenges and Struggles

The Atlanta Thrashers faced a series of challenges and struggles during their time in the NHL:

1. On-Ice Performance: While they had moments of success, the Thrashers struggled to consistently compete at a high level in the league.

2. Attendance Issues: The team faced difficulties in attracting a consistent and robust fan base, leading to financial challenges.

3. Ownership Changes: Ownership changes further complicated the franchise's stability and long-term prospects.

5. The Relocation to Winnipeg

In 2011, the Atlanta Thrashers faced a heartbreaking turn of events as they were sold and relocated to Winnipeg, Manitoba, where they became the Winnipeg Jets. The move marked the end of the Thrashers' tenure in Atlanta and the return of NHL hockey to Winnipeg after a 15-year absence.

6. Legacy and Impact

The Atlanta Thrashers' legacy remains a mixed one. While their time in Atlanta was relatively short-lived, they left a lasting impact on the city's hockey community. The Thrashers' relocation raised questions about the challenges of sustaining NHL franchises in non-traditional markets.

7. FAQs About the Atlanta Thrashers

Q1: Why did the Atlanta Thrashers relocate to Winnipeg?

A1: The relocation of the Thrashers to Winnipeg was primarily due to financial challenges, including difficulties in attracting a sufficient fan base and ownership changes.

Q2: Did the Thrashers have a passionate fan base in Atlanta?

A2: While there were dedicated fans, the Thrashers faced challenges in building a consistent and robust fan base in Atlanta.

Q3: What impact did the Thrashers' relocation have on the Winnipeg Jets and the city of Winnipeg?

A3: The relocation of the Thrashers to Winnipeg was met with excitement and enthusiasm, marking the return of NHL hockey to the city after a long absence.

Q4: Are there any efforts to bring an NHL team back to Atlanta?

A4: As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, there were no immediate plans or efforts to bring an NHL team back to Atlanta, but the dynamics of professional sports can change over time.

8. Conclusion: Remembering the Thrashers' Hockey Dream

The Atlanta Thrashers' story is one of aspirations, challenges, and ultimately, the bittersweet reality of professional sports. While they may no longer grace the ice in Atlanta, the memories of their time in the NHL live on in the hearts of fans who once cheered for the Thrashers. Their legacy serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics that shape the world of professional sports, where dreams can be realized, but also where they can sometimes come to an unexpected and premature end.