No matter how good they are, must battle off-ice officials at their home rink. Dumont has been the best trade throw-in we've seen in a long time. Like Devils, they got a schedule break, which should help. Older legs might be slowing them a bit, but they know how to win. New coach Barber institutes new system featuring an even more aggressive forecheck and physical play.
People can laugh all they want.
Truth is, the Thrashers are playing great. For a guy who wanted to be traded, Bondra's been unbelievable. Line of Lemieux, Tkachuk and Roenick is a wrecking crew. Rookie Horcoff brings youthful enthusiasm and skill. Red Wings haven't solved their defensive-zone breakdowns.