Ok. So, I’ve been reading around on other sites, particularly those of the Senators, and Sabres, doing my usual hockey routine to get some material on what should have been yesterdays post game wrap. I read and I read, and I got angrier and angrier. Folks, the teams out there are giving us NO respect whatsover. Most people are saying the Rangers got the luckiest draw for an opponent with my home town Thrashers. They are saying that we will get destroyed by the 2 juggernauts, etc etc etc.

I say. Really?

So, rather than focus on the sweep we just accomplished, I would prefer to take a look at the team we just faced, the Atlanta Thrashers.

For all those trash talkers out there, lets see how the Thrashers did against all 7 Eastern Conference playoff teams.:

Border Color
	Team Is Winning Series
	Team Is Tied In Series
	Team Is Losing Series
	Team Has Won Series

 

VS Buffalo Sabres
Date	Result	Score
Oct 28	Win	5-4
Dec 30	Loss	1-4
Feb 6	OTL	3-4
Mar 18	Win	4-3
Cumulative Record
2-1-1

 

VS New Jersey Devils
Date	Result	Score
Dec 19	Win	4-3
Dec 23	Win	5-2
Jan 12	Loss	1-2
Jan 30	Win	5-4
Cumulative Record
3-1-0

 

VS Ottawa Senators
Date	Result	Score
Nov 8	Win	5-4
Jan 1	Win	3-2
Feb 17	Loss	3-5
Feb 26	Win	4-2
Cumulative Record
3-1-0

 

VS Pittsburgh Penguins
Date	Result	Score
Dec 9	OTL	3-4
Dec 21	Win	4-3
Dec 27	Win	4-2
Mar 24	Loss	1-2
Cumulative Record
2-1-1

 

VS New York Rangers
Date	Result	Score
Nov 10	Loss	2-5
Nov 28	Win	5-4
Jan 20	Win	3-1
Mar 16	Win	2-1
Cumulative Record
3-1-0

 

VS Tampa Bay Lightning
Date	Result	Score
Oct 5	OTL	2-3
Oct 9	Win	1-0
Nov 11	Loss	3-5
Nov 24	OTL	2-3
Dec 7	Loss	0-8
Dec 26	Win	2-1
Feb 22	OTL	4-5
Apr 7	Win	3-2
Cumulative Record
3-2-3

 

VS New York Islanders
Date	Result	Score
Nov 4	Win	4-1
Dec 16	Loss	0-6
Jan 26	Win	5-4
Feb 1	Loss	2-5
Cumulative Record
2-2-0

 

Cumulative Record

18-9-5

So, while it may be easier to call the Thrashers a crappy team, the numbers, well, they just dont back it up. Heres the truth of the matter folks. The Thrashers are a VERY good team. A team that could, and has, beaten every team in the league, and does not have a losing record against ANY of the playoff teams. So all I can say is, the Rangers earned their win against a damn good team, and its just idiocy to say otherwise.

Personally, I think the reason the Thrashers had a less than stellar showing has more to do with some questionable coaching moves, and some flat out GREAT defense by the Rangers. Their stars had no room to play, no room to create, and most of their lanes closed off. Give us our due, were owed it.

Anyway, to finish things off, a friend of mine, Angie, was kind enough to let me share this short clip from the end of yesterdays game. MSG cuts too much of the crowd audio out, trust me, the place was ROCKING.

-Inferno

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Yes, we just got a “make up call” at the end of the second. But you know what? The refs owe us at least 2 more penalties, and at least a dozen more from previous games. Say what you want about that call, the Thrashers have been given gifts all over the ice, and arent called for a damn thing.

That Avery play really pisses me off. The Thrashers tackle Avery with 3 men. No call, the Thrashers rush back the other way and score. The fans are right. “These refs suck”.

I like the resiliency I am seeing in this team, but its hard when you gotta face a hungry team, AND have to deal with refs trying to steal a game away from you.

-Inferno

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That, was what I expected yesterday. In fact, that is also what I expected today. The Thrashers came out with a lot more life, and a LOT more speed. They looked hungry, desperate, and composed. It’s exactly how I would expect them to play. With that said the longer this game goes tied, the more it benefits the younger Rangers. Atlanta came off of a game where they played nearly 60 minutes in their own zone yesterday. That takes a big time toll on your body. Things like that may be key as we come down the stretch.

Both goalies are playing great, making key saves, and giving up 2 unstoppable goals.

I want a win, I want a refund for game 5. Make it happen boys!

-Inferno

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Some rated R language here.

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