It was a weekend to forget for the Thrashers with losses to both Pittsburgh and Washington. The defeats were frustrating because they were able to play good hockey at certain points of both games. Atlanta was still in each game until the end, but ultimately lost 4-2 to the Penguins and 6-4 to the Capitals. “I am just very frustrated after that because I thought we played really hard,” said coach Craig Ramsay after the loss to Pittsburgh. “We gave them all we could give them. We created our chances and gave them a couple of bad goals.”
They were able to grab an early 1-0 lead against the Penguins and were tied at the end of two periods. That’s when the two-headed monster of Malkin and Crosby took over. Sidney Crosby scored two minutes into the third to give the lead to Pittsburgh. Evgeni Malkin made it 3-1 just two minutes later and added an empty net goal for a hat-trick. “They are both not just talented, but strong,” said Ramsay. “Malkin is a monster and Crosby is as strong on the puck as there is.” Zach Bogosian finished -1 on the night and felt the team played well, but knew they would have to finish strong in order to win. “I thought we came out with a good start with a goal right away,” said the young defenseman. “I think that’s what we need to establish game in and game out, get off to a good start. Then obviously play three periods of hockey.”
The very dejected Thrashers traveled to Washington on Sunday afternoon and fell behind early 3-1. They battled back with a goal from Andrew Ladd and two goals, including one short-handed by Bryan Little in the second period to tie the game at four. Atlanta could not score the go-ahead goal in the third, and Washington took advantage and went up 5-4. The Caps added an empty-net goal to ice the game, 6-4. Chris Mason was lifted for the second straight time after giving up four goals on 16 shots. Ondrej Pavelec finished the game with 15 saves on 16 shots.
A bright spot, not only this weekend, but also the past few weeks has been the play of 23-year old, second year forward, Niclas Bergfors. He has had at least a point in 10 of the last 11 games, and against Pittsburgh and Washington he had a goal and an assist. “I just work on the little things and get the puck deep (in the opposition’s zone) and play simple,” said Bergfors on his recent success.
The Thrashers shouldn’t hang their heads too long after this weekend because their next six games are at home. The first game will be against Florida on Wednesday. It will be the longest home stand of the season, and it is a big opportunity to pick up some much needed points. Atlanta has 17 points to date, which puts them ninth in the Eastern Conference behind Boston and Tampa Bay.
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