In what has become one heartbreak after another this week, the Thrashers drop a closely played game to the Coyotes 4-3. The final score easily could have been in the Thrashers favor, but they failed to convert on many open nets and wide open shots. Most frustrating was the officiating, which continued to be hit or miss throughout the third period. Several calls went unmade, both against the Thrashers and Coyotes, though the refs did seem to catch a slash from Dustin Byfuglien on a Phoenix player toward the end of the power play that the Thrashers were on during the waning seconds of the third period.
The highlights of the game for the Thrashers include Andrew Ladd’s 20th goal, Dustin Byfuglien’s 44th point, an assist, and Tobias Enstrom moving into a tie with Marian Hossa for third on the team’s all-time assist list. The Thrashers next play the Edmonton Oilers Saturday at 3:00.