As Atlanta heads off for its first road trip of the season, some things are apparent even at this early stage. This is the first road test for the young team, but Saturday’s victory over the previously undefeated Buffalo Sabres solidified that the Thrashers are more comfortable playing with the up-tempo teams, and that Kari Lehtonen is clearly back from his groin injury.
Two nights ago against the New Jersey Devils, Atlanta looked like one of the worst offensive teams in the league. Two nights later against the undefeated Sabres, Atlanta looked like a team coming off a playoff run the year before. All of this was a result of their opponents’ style of play. New Jersey plodded along, forcing Atlanta to slow down and look disjointed offensively. However, against Buffalo’s fast pace, Atlanta could utilize a more aggressive offensive approach, taking advantage of neutral-ice turnovers.
As most young teams early in the season, the team’s play will be dictated by the opponents’ play. However, to get to the playoffs Atlanta will have to force its play on opponents. John Anderson spoke in the pre-season about it taking roughly a month for all his offensive schemes to be put in place. If in 30 days the offense can dictate the speed of play even against slower teams, the playoffs are no longer simply a pipe dream.
“I think we just had a bunch of jump. It seems like if we stay on [our game plan] we’re going to have chances all the time. But once it gets a little tight and we don’t score, you start veering away from things you did.” This is what John Anderson had to say about the quick start his team got off to when playing the fast-paced Buffalo Sabres. “I’m happy with our offense, we’re getting our chances. We’re just not putting them in the net.”
After being pulled during the 2007 Stanley Cup Playoffs, questions have arisen about the ability of Lehtonen as a top-tier NHL goalie. Last year he was hampered by injury, leaving those same questions unanswered coming into training camp this year. However, through five games this season, Lehtonen has shown that he is back to the level he played at while leading Atlanta to a Southeast Division title.
Even Anderson is beginning to take notice of Lehtonen’s play. “He’s been a rock back there. He’s probably been our most consistent player,” the coach said.
That type of play will be necessary in most games this season as Atlanta is still trying to find its way defensively with three newcomers along the blueline.
Boral can be reached at jboral@scoreatl.com.
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