06-27-2007, 10:33 AM
Season Review:
For the first time in their history, the Thrashers made it to the playoffs. Kari Lehtonen established himself as one of the games top young netminders. Marian Hossa set career high marks in goals and points. Slava Kozlov seemed to have resurrected his career and scored nearly a point per game. The only disappointment was Ilya Kovalchuk's lackluster offensive production (although his defense did improve a little). It seemed like they were just happy to be in the playoffs when they lost in the 1st rd to the Rangers (I think it was NYR).
Offseason Needs:
Atlanta has two big needs: a playmaker for Kovalchuk and a pair of good defensemen. Some think Kovalchuk suffered since his long time linemate, Marc Savard, jumped to Boston last year. A guy like Mike Comrie could come cheaper than Gomez and Briere and he's proven himself to be a 60+ point scorer. Keeping Alexei Zhitnik would help the Thrashers with a PP QB and an offensive defenseman. They can also use another bruising defenseman since they're in a division with offensive juggernaughts Tampa and Carolina. Keeping Kozlov is a must, too.
Next Season Outlook:
Atlanta seems like they can be a playoff team on a yearly basis thanks to Kovalchuk, Hossa, and Lehtonen. However, these 3 need a better supporting cast if they're to get past the 1st round. Expect the Thrashers to fight for a lower seed, but I can't see them getting past the 1st rd with their current depth.
For the first time in their history, the Thrashers made it to the playoffs. Kari Lehtonen established himself as one of the games top young netminders. Marian Hossa set career high marks in goals and points. Slava Kozlov seemed to have resurrected his career and scored nearly a point per game. The only disappointment was Ilya Kovalchuk's lackluster offensive production (although his defense did improve a little). It seemed like they were just happy to be in the playoffs when they lost in the 1st rd to the Rangers (I think it was NYR).
Offseason Needs:
Atlanta has two big needs: a playmaker for Kovalchuk and a pair of good defensemen. Some think Kovalchuk suffered since his long time linemate, Marc Savard, jumped to Boston last year. A guy like Mike Comrie could come cheaper than Gomez and Briere and he's proven himself to be a 60+ point scorer. Keeping Alexei Zhitnik would help the Thrashers with a PP QB and an offensive defenseman. They can also use another bruising defenseman since they're in a division with offensive juggernaughts Tampa and Carolina. Keeping Kozlov is a must, too.
Next Season Outlook:
Atlanta seems like they can be a playoff team on a yearly basis thanks to Kovalchuk, Hossa, and Lehtonen. However, these 3 need a better supporting cast if they're to get past the 1st round. Expect the Thrashers to fight for a lower seed, but I can't see them getting past the 1st rd with their current depth.