Newsflash: There’s a Hockey Team in Atlanta

Through six games the Atlanta Thrashers have nine points that puts them second in the Southeast Division. That’s right folks the Atlanta Thrashers are only one point behind the Washington Capitals for first place in the Southeast Division. It might not seem like much because it is so early in the season but last year through six games the Thrashers had only two wins and five points which marked the beginning of a season that did not yield a lot of success for the Thrashers until they were eliminated from playoff contention. So the big question is can Atlanta keep this going the entire season? The Thrasher roster is not loaded with big names other than Ilya Kovalchu—who is off to a great start—but it does not take a team full of superstars to win you just need a team of players who believe in each other and work well together. For the moment things look pretty good, they are getting solid goaltending, lead the league in power play percentage and are in the top ten in penalty killing. Everyone will get a better sense of where Atlanta stands over the course of the next few games since two of their next three contests are against Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals. Not only do the Thrashers need to at least be competitive in those games but they need to steal two points even if they do not win either contest. The Capitals are the cream of the crop in the Southeast Division and chances are only one team will be coming out of that division and into the playoffs. If Atlanta wants to prove to the league but more importantly to themselves and their fans that they are a legit team they must show up for both games against Washington.