On the ice it was simply a pass from two blueline teammates, but looking at the exchange from rookie Zach Bogosian to newcomer Mathieu Schneider in a more metaphorical way, it represented the passing of a torch from an 18-year veteran to the fresh face of the NHL’s defensemen.
Schneider and Bogosian entered the game on Saturday night together, coming off the bench as the second defensive line for the night. For Schneider it was his first game as a Thrasher after being traded from the Anaheim Ducks. He played sparingly throughout the game as he continues to get his stamina after missing all of preseason practice.
Since arriving, Schneider has continually talked about the benefit he could be for some of Atlanta’s younger defensemen. However, in Saturday’s 4-1 loss to St. Louis, it wasn’t the defense that needed an all-pro but instead the offense.
St. Louis scored two goals in the first period on what most would consider cheap shots. Two goals by Roman Polak and Andy McDonald may have been the ones that made it to the back of the net, but there were plenty of shots being peppered at goaltender Kari Lehtonen that didn’t make it onto the scoreboard. Atlanta’s offense struggled to keep the puck in the offensive zone, waiting until 7:32 into the first to record the first shot on goal.
Eventually, not only did Schneider contribute his expertise to his teammates, but he also set the team up for its first goal of the night. Getting the man advantage midway through the third period, Schneider took a laying puck right between the circles and took a shot on goal. The rebound was unable to be controlled by St. Louis goalie Manny Legace, and bounced right onto the stick of Brett Sterling who knocked it in for a power-play goal.
Although Schneider’s defensive numbers had decreased the last few seasons, his offensive prowess was exactly the reason the team brought him to Atlanta. “He’s really good," said head coach John Anderson about Schneider. "He’s good on the bench he’s good in the room, we’re really lucky to have him.”
His defensive linemate, Bogosian, also played well in his first-ever back-to-back games. On two consecutive plays to begin the third period, Bogosian forced St. Louis turnovers in their offensive zone. The first was a stop on an odd-man rush, which was followed by a poke-check to end the Blues’ offensive attack.
Saturday’s loss closed the door on Atlanta’s preseason, leaving the Thrashes with the taste of defeat for the next six days. The team will hit the ice next on Friday night as Atlanta hosts the Washington Capitals in the season opener for each team.
INJURY UPDATE
Jason Williams did not play on Saturday due to an undisclosed injury. Williams will be checked this week by Thrashers medical staff before deciding whether or not he will play on Friday.
Boral can be reached at jboral@scoreatl.com.
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