Luckily for the Thrashers, third place in the Southeast Division doesn't necessarily mean no playoff spot. They're still in 8th place in the Eastern Conference, three points ahead of the Carolina Hurricanes and two points behind the New York Rangers and Montreal Canadiens.
Despite the four day break last week, Atlanta has still played two more games than the Habs and one more than the Rangers, and has played a dangerous three games more than the Hurricanes. The Thrashers' recent 4-5-1 stretch didn't do the team any favors, but they still are within striking distance of both the Washington Capitals and the Tampa Bay Lightning, sitting just four points behind. Again, though, the Thrashers have played two more games.
They've actually played the most games in the Eastern Conference at 48, and only the Anaheim Ducks have played as many games league-wide.