Nigel Dawes was the fourth Thrashers shooter, and he was the only player between the two teams to score. Chris Mason was perfect in the shootout, and grinder Dawes wins it, making tonight a night for grinders. Anthony Stewart surpassed his career high for goals in one night with three, and Chris Thorburn also scores his third goal of the season.
The Thrashers finish the game with 33 shots on goal, but allowed Anaheim 41 SOG this game, which is quite high and fairly inexcusable, especially considering that the Ducks had six powerplays – it shows that the penalty kill unit for this game was shaky and very much off its game. That, and the fact that three of the Ducks’ goals were on the power play. Look for different special teams drills tomorrow.
Tomorrow night wraps up the California road trip with a game against the San Jose Sharks at 10:30. Antero Niittymaki is undefeated lifetime against the Thrashers, so look for him in goal. Luckily, Saturday is the one and only time that the Thrashers have to face their nemesis.
The Thrashers’ next home game is Wednesday, October 20th, against the Buffalo Sabres.