One goal one too many for Thrashers to overcome

By Bud L. Ellis

A furious rally at the finish couldn’t help the Atlanta Thrashers overcome yet another sluggish start.

A Gregory Campbell goal midway through the second period turned out to be the only score of the game, as the Thrashers fell to Southeast Division rival Florida on Monday, 1-0.

The loss drops Atlanta (21-20-7) three points behind the Islanders for the eighth and final playoff spot in the crowded Eastern Conference standings. With 49 points, Atlanta is tied with Philadelphia for 11th.

Johan Hedberg did his part between the pipes for Atlanta, making 23 saves. Campbell’s goal came at the 7:18 mark of the second period, and Hedberg’s vision was partially blocked on the play.

It’s unfortunate, as that would be the difference in part because the Thrashers once again struggled offensively in the early part of the game. The Thrashers mustered just 13 shots on goal combined in the first 40 minutes.

In the third, the Thrashers finally found their offensive rhythm enough to take 14 shots on goal and keep the pressure on Florida’s defense and goaltender Tomas Vokoun. But Vokoun was too tough, and Atlanta wasn’t able to capitalize on a 6-on-4 advantage in the final 1:19.

Atlanta looks to bounce back with a quick turnaround, taking on Toronto on Tuesday at Philips Arena.

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Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at 5:02 am by bud

Tags: Atlanta Thrashers, Florida Panthers, Gregory Campbell, Johan Hedberg, National Hockey League, New York Islanders, Philadelphia Flyers, Philips Arena, Tomas Vokoun, Toronto Maple Leafs

Thrashers continue road dominance, rally to beat Panthers in shootout

By Bud L. Ellis

For most, there is no place like home. For the Atlanta Thrashers, there is no place like away from home.

The Thrashers improved their stellar road record to 9-2-1, earning a 2-1 shutout victory at Florida to open a four-game road trip.

It looked like Atlanta, which saw its three-game winning streak snapped by the Islanders Thursday night at Philips Arena, was heading to a second-consecutive loss. Stephen Weiss beat Johan Hedberg early in the third period, snapping a scoreless duel between Hedberg and Florida netminder Tomas Vokoun.

But Ilya Kovalchuk found the net with 64 seconds left in regulation, off assists from Max Afinogenov and Toby Enstrom, Kovy’s 16th of the season tying the game at 1-1.

After a scoreless overtime, Rich Peverly scored the game winner in the shootout for Atlanta, which won for the fifth time in its last six outings.

Encouraging for Atlanta is the fact the Thrashers outshot the Panthers 38-31

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Saturday, December 5, 2009 at 11:13 pm by bud

Tags: Atlanta Thrashers, Florida Panthers, Ilya Kovalchuk, Johan Hedberg, Max Afinogenov, National Hockey League, New York Islanders, Philips Arena, Rich Peverly, Stephen Weiss, Toby Enstrom, Tomas Vokoun