As a younger sports fan, the day of my favorite team’s schedule release was akin to Christmas morning. I would wake up early to open up the newspaper, cut out the new season’s schedule, tape it to my wall and immediately find those little matchups that would interest me most.
Growing up, things have changed a bit. Now, I download the schedule and sync it with my computer and mobile device; I don’t even think I own tape anymore. However, the emotion that the release of next season’s schedule invokes is still similar. Even more so when the team did poorly the prior year.
With that brief detour down memory lane, that brings us to the release of the Thrashers’ 2008-09 season.
First, let’s give credit to the NHL. They revamped their scheduling without barely any leaks whatsoever. Fans had clamored to see their favorite team play every team at least once, instead of having to wait almost three years to see certain opponents. In an interview last year, commissioner Gary Bettman, mentioned that the league would look into the plausibility of changing the schedule but not to expect anything in the immediate future. But now fans will get to see every team at least once.
The league has struggled to regain its footing among mainstream sports in this post-lockout period, but with a new element to sell to fringe fans, the NHL should be applauded for doing its best to change the league’s image in a quick and decisive fashion.
There are plenty of interesting matchups to keep the average fan interested. So if you can only catch a few, here’s a couple tilts to keep an eye on:
Brett Favre-like Returns:
- vs. New Jersey, Oct. 16: Bobby Holik returns to town, with the team he gained the most success with. Holik was supposed to add a veteran presence and put the Thrashers at the same level he helped the Devils obtain. Now he’ll be looking to keep his former team right where he left them.
- at Ottawa, Dec. 3: Jason Williams spurned the Senators during free agency this offseason. Although Williams never spoke to Ottawa management, the fans will make sure to repay Williams with some speaking of their own. Remember: all insults must be repeated in French.
- vs. Chicago, Feb. 11: Williams plays his former team in the Thrashers’ first contest against the Blackhawks in over three years. Blackhawks fans were disappointed with Williams due to his constant injuries. If Williams stays healthy, he could be feeding all of the Windy City crow at the midpoint of the season.
- vs. Detroit, March 20: The prodigal sun returns home as Marian Hossa plays in Philips Arena for the first time since his trade to Pittsburgh. Thankfully, he won’t have anyone good around him, helping the Thrashers’ chance of payback … oh wait, nevermind – it’s the Yankees of hockey.
Theme Night Suggestions:
- Mullet Night, Dec. 20: While not a new idea for the team, this game against the Lightning would be the perfect time for it. Barry “The Mullet” Melrose returns from TV-land to get back behind the glass to face John Anderson and the Thrashers.
- Free Bic Lighter Night, March 8: The old Atlanta Flames return with a Canadian twist, as the Calgary Flames. It will be fire all around as the Thrashers will be lighting the lamp, and I’m sure Jerome Iginla will also be part of the scoring.
- Free Glove Night, Jan. 20: These two teams were outshot more than they outshot their opponents. This means the pucks will be flying during this one, so you better give the fans some protection. Who knows where those pucks will end up!
If you are looking forward to any other games, let me know by leaving them in the comments section.
Boral can be reached at jboral@scoreatl.com.
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