The Thrashers’ power play so far is two for three at the close of the first period. Eric Brewer took an interference penalty on Jim Slater, which led very quickly to a Rick Peverley powerplay goal on the doorstep with assists from Nik Antropov and Andrew Ladd. Five minutes later, Antropov scored after a penalty on Patrik Berglund. Assists came from Ladd and Peverley came on that goal.
With just three seconds left in the period, Niclas Bergfors continued to make a case for not benching him, by snapping a shot past Halak on a Dustin Byfuglien feed. The Blues’ only goal came accidentally from Jay McClement, who fell over Brent Sopel and while in the crease deflected a shot from Matt D’Agostini.
The Thrashers are getting chances by getting in front of the net and chipping pucks in, which is precisely what they need to do, because Halak has outstanding vision down the ice for long shots.