Memory of goal from three years ago provides hope

Sep 06 2008

Published by bud006 at 11:53 pm under Uncategorized Edit This

By Bud L. Ellis
thrashers.today.com

Greg De Vries jumped the play, and ended up with the opportunity every hockey player hopes they get at least once in their career.

De Vries read the pass, stole the puck, raced into the zone and netted the game-winning goal in overtime. For some reason, even though it happened three seasons ago, I remember the play like it was yesterday.

De Vries’s goal gave the Thrashers a hard-fought overtime victory at Philadelphia in the early days of the 2005-06 season, a campaign in which the Thrashers battled to the final day of the regular season, only to fall short of the playoffs.

We all know what happened in the two season to follow that one: In 2006-07, Atlanta won the Southeast Division title and reached the NHL Playoffs for the first time in franchise history. Then came last season, where the Thrashers started 0-6 en route to finishing 14th in the 15-team Eastern Conference.

But still, De Vries’ goal stands out.

Atlanta rallied in that game, coming back from a two-goal deficit late in the third period. Patrick Stefan – remember him? The first draft pick in franchise history, who vastly underachieved during his time with Atlanta – scored with seven seconds left to force overtime.

I thought about that game tonight. Why, I’m not so sure. But the fact remains that on any given night, opportunities present themselves. On this night in my memory, De Vries delivered.

Here’s hoping when opportunity knocks in 2008-09, the Thrashers deliver. I think they will, enough to craft a season that surpasses our expectations.

I remember how excited I was when De Vries scored the game winner in that game at Philly. I’m hoping there are plenty of moments like that this season.