The Atlanta Thrashsers' season began with a major bang, and ended with a whimper. Nik Antropov was supposed to be the big point producer on the team, but fell way short of expectations to the point of being in coach Craig Ramsey's doghouse. On the other end of the spectrum, Dustin Byfuglien came in with a lot of hype and a transition to the blue line. For a while, he really was the best player on the Thrashers team before teammate Tobias Enstrom (his defensive pairing mate) got hurt mid-season. Byfuglien figures to benefit from Enstrom's presence again next season. Bryan Little was supposed to return to 30-goal territory; he ended up with 18 goals. Respectable, but hardly the numbers expected of him, though 30 assists isn't a shabby number. He will, however, have to step up his game next season.
Offense for the Thrashers was a major problem, which was to be expected when Ilya Kocalchuk was traded last season. The blue line outside of Byfuglien and Enstrom needs a major defensive presence, something that mid-season acquisition Mark Stuart could fill. Chris Mason was a bust as a goalie, losing out to Ondrej Pavalec. Pavalec's season started with a health scare, but ended with some rather respectable numbers. He still needs to find consistency, but he would also benefit from a better defense. This season could in fact, be the last for the Thrashers in Atlanta, as rumors of the team's move gain ground, particularly in the wake of finishing 27th in attendance. As I said before, and I will keep saying it, Kansas City would be happy to have the Thrashers here.
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