Penguins Gameday #38 (Thrashers)

Penguins (24-11-2, 50 pts)

Thrashers (19-13-6, 44 pts)

Where: Consol Energy Center

When: 7:00 ET

TV: FSNPIT

Both teams come into this game looking to get back on track after tough Sunday losses. The Pens have had success against the Thrash so far this season, but these are not the Thrashers of last year. These guys can beat any team on any given night and are right up there with Tampa and the Caps for the division.

Players to Watch:

Dustin Byfuglien: Only slightly smaller than an average U-Haul truck, one of the hardest slapshots in the league, and deceptively quick. You don't want this guy anywhere near you or the puck.

Alex Burmistrov: One of the most impressive rookies of the year in my book. He has all-star written all over his future, but for now he is a solid 2nd/3rd line scoring threat.

Niclas Bergfors: This guy just has a knack of playing well against Pittsburgh. But he has been doing pretty well against everyone this year with 7 goals and 11 helpers.

THRASHERS STATS:

Win %: .579 (16th)
PP%: 21.0% (8th)
PK%: 80.3% (22nd)
GF/G: 3.13 (7th)
GA/G: 2.82 (18th)
Differential: +12
Faceoffs: 50.2% (15th)
-Thrashers 2nd worst when scoring 1st (only at .500) but lead the league in comebacks after giving up the first goal (also .500).
-The Thrashers have blown 4 2nd intermission leads, but have come back 4 times when trailing through the 1st 2 frames.
-Atlanta is tied with PIT and PHI for the 2nd in shorthanded goals with 6.
-Thrashers lead the league in recorded blocked shots. (634)

KEYS TO VICTORY:

-Don't let Buff get the puck
-60 minutes
-Establish a zone presence and behind the net.

Notes:

-Still no word on any improvements to Asham's status so it looks like Godard again.
-Curry again will be the backup for MAF.

Final Thoughts:

Take a look at this promotion the Thrash are having for their post-holiday home games.

I got such a kick out of this when I saw it (not to mention the Caps shirt). But it's for a good cause.

4 points before the Classic would be nice. Get the first 2 tonight. Lets Go Pens