Enstrom anchors young Thrashers’ defense

By Bud L. Ellis

He’s just 25 years old with 211 games of NHL experience under his belt, but Tobias Enstrom already has penned his place in the Atlanta Thrashers’ record books.

Enstrom, in just his third season with the Thrashers, is the franchise all-time leader in points and assists with 94 assists and 108 points. His 34 assists this season ranks 10th in the league for D-men, and in total points for blueliners his 38 points stands tied for fourth.

It’s continued progress for the quiet Swede who has been a stabilizing force for Atlanta’s backline since joining the team as a rookie in 2007-08. He earned NHL All-Rookie Team honors that season, finishing with 38 points. His production dropped slightly last season, finishing with 32 points.

But coupled with a full season from second-year man Zach Bogosian, the arrival of free-agent signee Pavel Kubina, and the emergence of first-round draft  pick Evander Kane, Enstrom has enjoyed his best season to date. His next point will give him a career high in points for a season. He’s one goal away from his career high (Enstrom has four goals; he scored five in each of his first two seasons). His 34 assists already has established a career high.

If the Thrashers are going to emerge from the crowded middle of the Eastern Conference standings and earn a playoff berth, Enstrom is going to have to continue his good work.

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Monday, January 18, 2010 at 8:27 pm by bud

Tags: Atlanta Thrashers, Evander Kane, Pavel Kubina, Tobias Enstrom, Zach Bogosian

Thrashers win first in regulation since November

By Bud L. Ellis

Forty-three days after winning a game in regulation, the Atlanta Thrashers re-discovered that winning in 60 minutes feeling on Tuesday.

Ilya Kovalchuk scored once and added two assists, and six Thrashers scored in a 6-1 rout of Ottawa at Philips Arena.

The victory marked the second time in five days the Thrashers won a game, after losing nine in a row. It also was the first victory in regulation for Atlanta since a 4-3 victory over Florida on Nov. 30.

Pavel Kubina scored the eventual game-winner 17:08 into the first period, snapping a 1-1 tie. Kovalchuk, who now has 17 points in his past 20 games despite the distraction of his ongoing contract negotiations, made it 3-1.

Eric Boulton scored the first goal for the Thrashers, who moved to within two points of the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference with the victory. Todd White snapped a 35-game goalless streak by lighting the lap. Bryan Little and Tobias Enstrom also scored for Atlanta.

In goal, Ondrej Pavelec made 30 saves for the Thrashers, who wrapped up a four-game homestand with a contest Thursday night against Buffalo.

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Thursday, January 14, 2010 at 8:22 pm by bud

Tags: Atlanta Thrashers, Bryan Little, Buffalo Sabres, Eric Boulton, Florida Panthers, Ilya Kovalchuk, Ondrej Pavelec, Ottawa Senators, Pavel Kubina, Philips Arena, Tobias Enstrom, Todd White