Atlanta Thrashers

As the final buzzer sounded on Saturday night a huge weight was lifted off the Atlanta Thrashers organization as they finally gained a victory against the Philadelphia Flyers.  Led by Johan Hedberg’s 34 saves and forward Rich Peverley’s 10^th goal the Thrashers finally put an end to an ugly 14 game losing streak against the Philadelphia Flyers. “It’s a big mental break,” Hedberg said about the 1-0 victory. “They’ve had our number since I’ve been here.”  Atlanta who have now won three straight games caught the Flyers at a down time as they have now lost not only two straight but five of six games. Hedberg who is in his fourth season with Atlanta didn’t feel any extra pressure before the game. Instead it was a game he was strongly looking forward to. “It’s a fun challenge,” Hedberg said. “You know they’re going to be coming, but you’re also just one bounce away from going up 2-0. These games are really fun to play.” This veteran was especially sharp in the third period when he made 13 saves in earning his 12^th career shutout. Peverly who scored in the second period continues to be a great feel good story in the NHL. Picked off waivers last season by the Thrashers this 27 year-old has blossomed into a consistent scorer who now has at least one point in 17 of 23 games this year. “Kubina made a great pass,” Peverly said about his goal that was set up by the veteran defenceman. “I didn’t get a lot of it, but it got into the net.” With the win Atlanta now occupies seventh place in the Eastern Conference. Hedberg improved his season record to 5-2-0 in backstopping the Thrashers to their biggest win of the year. “I was not aware it was 14 games in the streak,” Thrashers coach John Anderson said. “But it’s not 14 games anymore.”