Game 69: Thrashers Come To Town, 2 HUGE Points on the Line

TV: MSG Plus 2 Radio: 660 AM WFAN

Last 10 Games: Atlanta 4-4-2 New Jersey 8-2-0;

Know Your Enemy:  Ice Man

What Ice Man is saying about the Thrashers:

“After dramatic win in Philly can we mention the ‘P’ word again in Thrasherville?”

What we think of the Thrashers:

We just saw them the other night in Atlanta and the Devils found a way to win. Yes, they needed OT to do it and I would have much rather not have given a point away to a team that we were chasing BUT the Devils found a way to kill off a 2 min tripping penalty only to have Atlanta hand the Devils a 4 on 3 by getting called for tripping themselves. Like the rest of the night, the Devils made Atlanta pay for going down a man as Zajac put home the game winner.

Season Series: Devils lead Season Series  2-1

Last Meeting: March 11, 2011 – Devils won 3-2 in OT

Tonight’s Game: Final meeting this season between the two team and we need more of the same as the Devils make a push towards the playoffs. I know everyone is high on this playoff push and I would really like to see them get to the playoffs but even though we’ve gone 7-2 in their past nine games, we have only been able to go from 10 points out of a playoff spot to 8. Even though we keep winning, it doesn’t seem like we are getting closer. From a fans perspective, I find that stat frustrating.

Hopefully, it isn’t frustrating the players because in all honesty, a regulation win tonight put NJ in a 3 way tie with 70 points, 2 behind 9th place Carolina and 6 behind the 8th place Rangers.

This might be huge news for NJ. Dustin Byfuglien is questionable for Tuesday’s game against New Jersey after he left practice early Monday. The All-Star defenseman has a lower-body injury that caused him to miss last Wednesday’s game at Carolina.

Like the other night, the Devils need to take advantage of the man advantages that are handed to them. As always, New Jersey has played nine one-goal games in a row and has come out victorious seven times. Just for my own sanity, I would like to see NJ get away from this for one night, come out, pound a few home and not have to sit on the edge of my seat all night!!