Let the countdown begin. We are only nine days from the Thrashers’ season opener against the Washington Capitals and just three days away from the opening day of the NHL season. I’m not going to try and figure out the timezone difference between Atlanta and Prague (where the season’s first game between the New York Rangers and Tampa Bay Lightning will take place), so lets just go with that three days number.
Tonight the Thrashers will take on the Detroit Red Wings in the team’s first home preseason game. Now usually on game day, in this very spot, I will give my quick thoughts on the game, things to watch and whatnot, but this is preseason. I don’t even know if this can be considered an appetizer; instead, consider it that hotdog you grab at the gas station on your way to a hoity-toity restaurant in Buckhead.
First off, Marian Hossa will be making his first trip back to Atlanta since being traded in February. I think the reception will be warm as Hossa refused to talk about his contract last season and always played his hardest for whichever team he was a part of.
Also tonight’s game will be the second time the teams have played in just four days. In the first meeting, the Thrashers only managed 13 shots. Preseason stats are meaningless, but there will definitely have to be a better showing offensively in tonight’s game … 14 shots maybe? However, Atlanta isn’t getting any breaks as all-pro defenseman Niklas Lindstrom was cleared to play tonight after taking a puck to the face last week.
Share your thoughts about the team, the season, tonight’s game, or Buckhead restaurants in the comments section and I’ll make sure to read them all. And remember to check back here during the regular season for game recaps, interviews, game previews, and everything else Thrashers.
Boral can be reached at jboral@scoreatl.com.