Florida 4 - Atlanta 2
This report got a bit delayed as I attempted to follow the craziness that ensued on trade deadline day. Looking back I probably should have waited and read about the deals the next day. But I guess that's why they call us fanatics.
I went down to this game hoping to see an improved group. They've been playing better lately, showing signs they are coming together as a team. Unfortunately, I got a reminder that they still have a long way to go and road continues to be bumpy.
It started off well enough. Some nice forecheck and some decent puck movement resulted in 2-1 first period lead. There were some communication issues on defense that resulted in the goal against but Kari must take part of the blame as well.
The second period was all Panthers. The Thrashers had trouble moving the puck because they continue to have inaccurate passing. I lost count of the number of times pucks hit skates instead of sticks. The forecheck all but disappeared and defense had trouble staying in sync.
Much of the problems on defense could probably be traced to the trade of Havelid. With this trade, new pairings were introduced and you could tell some players had trouble figuring out what their new responsibilities were. Toby Enstrom was especially confused playing with Bogosian. Used to having Havelid to back him up, Toby was now filling that role and had multiple occasions were he let Florida players slip behind him. I'm hoping coach Anderson makes some adjustments because I think Enstrom is better suited to a different role. He's far too small to be the last line of defense.
After giving up another late period goal, the score was 4-1 after two periods. The Thrashers put up a little fight at the end and managed to cut it to 2 with Kovy's 35th goal. But with less than 3 minutes remaining, Peverly put the puck over the boards and received a delay of game penalty, basically ending the contest.
There weren't a lot of positives to the game but I thought Christensen (since been traded to Anaheim) and Slater (goal in first game back from injury) had pretty decent games. Bogosian and Reasoner did decent as well.
As I said, Enstrom didn't look good and a lot of the guys look a little listless including Kovalchuk. It's got to be tough knowing the season is winding down and there is nothing to play for. However, these guys are professionals and well paid. They need to be giving full effort night in and night out.
Lastly, I'm going to criticize Lehtonen a bit. Although none of the goals were entirely his fault, he did play a role in each of them. He had a couple stellar saves this game but gave up another soft goal once again. He's been playing a lot better lately but I'm very frustrated that his rebound control hasn't improved much. Poor rebounds resulted in 2 very easy goals for the Panthers. If Kari is ever going to reach the next level (I now have my doubts) he needs to swallow up those pucks and play more consistently.
I'd be remissed if I didn't mention how empty the arena was. I'm guessing less than 5000 in attendance. It's understandable but it certainly takes something out of attending a game when so little energy exists in the arena.
My last bitchfest is related to the third jerseys. In the process of drumming up additional merchandising sales, they've created a situation that prevents crowd unity. I think it's pretty intimidating to look at a sold out Calgary Saddledome and see just about every fan wearing red. The same takes place in the nation's capital. Meanwhile in Atlanta, when it's near capacity, you see blue, red, white, yellow, green and more. Looks more like a rainbow than a group supporting the same cause. Pick one color and stick to it. That being said, I do like the "blue-crew" in their "code red" outfits better.
I expect my next journey to Philip's arena to have a much different atmosphere. A soldout contest against the Stanley Cup Champion Detroit Red Wings. I'll be sitting on the glass, in the corner for this one. Definitely bringing the camera as well. I won't be the only Red Wing fan in attendance but I'll be one of the few Wing fans hoping for a Thrasher victory in OT.
No comments:
Post a Comment