Steven Stamkos was trying for a hat trick all night, and he very nearly got it. The Thrashers, in the second game of a back-to-back, dropped the game 5-3 to the Bolts. The offense never seemed to click and the team generally seemed tired. Endurance is going to be an issue for the Thrashers’ west coast road trip, with a back-to-back against the Ducks and Sharks scheduled for next weekend as well.
Shots were 36-30 in favor of Tampa Bay. Allowing thirty-six shots in a game is part of the reason that the team fell this evening. The defense needs to look at on-ice placement to better limit shots and quality scoring chances both.
The fourth line of Eager-Burmistrov-Thorburn contributed two goals on the evening and finished a +2, which was the highlight of the team’s play. Again, this reinforces coach Craig Ramsay’s “all lines must contribute” mentality. Attitude like that from the 4th line is contagious. It was apparent Friday night, and hopefully will follow the team to California.
The Thrashers’ next game is Tuesday against the LA Kings at 10:30.