So far, the Thrashers have gotten two out of four possible points on the road, and a win tonight against the San Jose Sharks would bring them back to Atlanta a game over .500 for the first time since opening night. Anthony Stewart has the hot hand, scoring a hat trick last night against the Ducks, and Chris Thorburn's riding a three game scoring streak, including his first career power play goal.
The Sharks will more than likely start Antti Niemi, their off season acquisition from the Chicago Blackhawks, in goal tonight. Thrashers fans should breathe a sigh of relief, because the alternative - Antero Niittymaki - is 17-0 all time against the Thrashers. The Sharks are hoping that their jet lag is done after their season-opening split against the Columbus Blue Jackets in Stockholm a week ago, and they're also keeping their fingers crossed that the recently re-signed Joe Thornton (three years, $21 million) can lead the team in more than just the regular season.
There will be some game time decisions, depending on injury, so line combinations aren't out yet. Ben Wright seems to think that there's a bit of a likelihood that Niclas Bergfors makes it back into the line-up, and that Eric Boulton will play in his first game tonight.