Where We Are: Prior to the last game against Atlanta, a 2-1 shootout loss, I wrote this: 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... Well, now that the Blueshirts lost four of the last four, most hope is lost. Not all, but that is because hope springs eternal and all that fandom crap.
Where They Are: They have 66 points in 66 games (we have 67 in 67 and eighth place Boston has 72 in 66). This is kind of a huge game for them seeing as they have lost their last four games. If they are to shock the world and win without Kovy, it starts against us.
Who To Watch For: Seeing as the Thrashers have scored four goals in those four losses (total), you can't say that anyone in particular is coming in with a hot hand. Former Devil Niclas Bergfors started his tenure as a Thrasher off well but has cooled with the rest of the team. Slava Kozlov always kills us, Borat is sure to be tough and the Chuck Norris of hockey, Chris Chelios, is back in the NHL. Cheli can't score but it is always neat to see a future Hall of Famer in action.What To Watch For: With Kari Lehtonen dealt to Dallas (and thus we have Alex Auld), Johan Hedberg has taken over the starters gig. The Moose kills us, every time. The Rangers throw a ton of rubber his way and he turns into Ken Dryden. Then again, with my luck picking goaltenders, Ondrej Pavelec could very well start and I've seen him do very well himself. See if the Rangers show any discipline. See how badly Redden and/or Rozy ruin any chance of victory. See how Tortorella changes the lines this time.
What We'll (Hopefully) See: As a Ranger fan I always hope to see a win but let's face it, it is best that they lose - and lose badly. The sooner the team is out of the race, the faller we fall, the better we shape we are in for the future. So watch the Rangers screw it all up by winning. At the least we should see a Jody Shelley vs Eric Boulton (or Evgeny Artyukhin) tilt.
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 - A Glimpse into a Defunct Franchise"
The Atlanta Thrashers, now defunct and relocated as the Winnipeg Jets, were a unique chapter in the history of the National Hockey League (NHL). In this article, we'll take a closer look at the brief yet eventful existence of the Atlanta Thrashers, from their inception to their eventual departure to Canada.
Chapter 1: Birth of the Thrashers
The Atlanta Thrashers entered the NHL as an expansion team in 1999, becoming the league's 28th franchise. Named after the brown thrasher, the state bird of Georgia, the team aimed to establish hockey in a traditionally non-hockey market.
Chapter 2: Early Struggles and Growth
The Thrashers faced challenges typical of expansion teams, including on-ice struggles and a growing pains period. However, they gradually improved, with standout players like Dany Heatley and Ilya Kovalchuk bringing excitement to the franchise.
Chapter 3: Playoff Appearances
The highlight of the Thrashers' time in Atlanta came in the 2006-07 season when they clinched their first-ever playoff berth. The city embraced its team, and the playoff run generated a buzz around hockey in the region.
Chapter 4: Ownership and Financial Issues
Despite their on-ice successes, the Thrashers faced off-ice challenges, including ownership instability and financial difficulties. These issues would eventually contribute to their downfall.
Chapter 5: The Winnipeg Relocation
In 2011, the Thrashers' time in Atlanta came to an end when the franchise was sold and relocated to Winnipeg, Manitoba, where they were reborn as the Winnipeg Jets. The move left a void in the Atlanta sports landscape and sparked discussions about the viability of hockey in the Southern United States.
Chapter 6: Legacy and Impact
The Atlanta Thrashers left a lasting impact, both in the city and on the NHL. While their time in Atlanta was relatively short, they helped grow the sport of hockey in the region and left devoted fans who mourned their departure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why did the Thrashers struggle financially and ultimately relocate?
A1: A combination of factors, including ownership instability, financial losses, and challenges in drawing consistent attendance, led to the decision to relocate the franchise.
Q2: What happened to the Thrashers' players after the relocation to Winnipeg?
A2: The players and team personnel moved to Winnipeg, where they became the Winnipeg Jets. Some players continued their careers with the Jets, while others found new teams through trades or free agency.
Q3: Did Atlanta ever get another NHL team after the Thrashers' departure?
A3: As of my knowledge cutoff date in September 2021, Atlanta did not have another NHL team. The city has occasionally been mentioned in discussions about potential future expansion or relocation, but no firm plans were in place at that time.
The Atlanta Thrashers' journey in the NHL was marked by both triumphs and challenges. While their time in Atlanta was relatively short-lived, the team left an indelible mark on the city and contributed to the growth of hockey in the Southern United States. The story of the Thrashers serves as a reminder of the complexities and uncertainties of professional sports franchises, where success on the ice does not always guarantee long-term stability.
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