Five must-see Thrashers’ games: December-January

Aug 01 2008

Published by bud006 at 10:31 pm under Uncategorized Edit This

By Bud L. Ellis
thrashers.today.com

Just checked my thermometer outside – it’s hot enough to melt the ice cubes in my sweet tea in, oh, about seven seconds.

Still, we’re looking ahead to Thrashers’ hockey season. Our look at must-see games today focuses on the months of December and January. Here are five games to circle on your pocket schedule (because trying to write on those magnetic babies you put on the fridge ain’t easy):

Dec. 2, Thrashers at Canadians: Always a tough place to play, Montreal finished with the best record in the Eastern Conference a year ago. On their only trip there last season, the Thrashers won 3-2 in a shutout, ending October on a high note in the midst of winning 11 out of 15 following the dismissal of Bob Hartley as head coach.

Dec. 10, Rangers at Thrashers: Home for the holidays? The Thrashers will be, and this game against the team that bounced Atlanta from its only playoff appearance two seasons ago begins a stretch of seven home games out of 10.

Dec. 31, Thrashers at Hurricanes: Follow the game as you close out 2008 and get ready for 2009 (hopefully, Thrashers Nation won’t be looking ahead to 2009-10 by this point in the season). Any trip to Raleigh is important, especially with two fewer games against Southeast Division opponents this season.

Jan. 14, Senators at Thrashers: Get your boos ready as Dany Heatley and Ottawa come to town. Some of the wounds of Heatley’s departure from Atlanta clearly haven’t healed. Not convinced? Just listen whenever the puck hits Dany’s stick.

Jan. 17, Thrashers at Predators: Wanna make a roadie to see the Thrashers? Nashville is four hours away. Give the NHL kudos for putting Nashville on the schedule this season. This game also opens a tough late-January road stretch that also includes visits to Philadelphia and Dallas in an 11-day span.