Thrashers Release Schedule

So, the 2009-2010 Atlanta Thrashers season will soon be here.



The schedule was released by the NHL yesterday. The Thrashers break down as follows:

There will only be 6 games (3 home, 3 away) against division opponents.

4 games (2 and 2) against conference opponents.

There doesn't appear to be a lot of rhyme or reason to the Western Conference opponents.

Here they are:

Avalanche: @ Colorado
Blackhawks: @ Chicago
Blue Jackers: Home & Home
Blues: H & H
Canucks: @ Vancouver
Coyotes: @ Phoenix
Ducks: in Atlanta
Flames: @ Calgary
Kings: in Atlanta
Oilers: in Atlanta
Predators: H & H
Red Wings: @ Detroit
Sharks: in Atlanta
Stars: in Atlanta
Wild: @ Minnesota

There are some similarities when compared to some of the other teams in the conference, but nothing to get excited about.

Here's the complete break down.




I generally like the schedule more, though it does have some problems. For one thing, I like the idea of concentrating games on division opponents, not trying to get every single team in the rotation. I think that distracts and takes away. It's better to only play Detroit or Dallas, Minnesota or San Jose once every couple of years. Adds a little bit of excitement.

I do like how the games are more stretches than years passed. A few home games strung together with a few road games for a trip away. Not this home, away, home, home, away, home, away, away thing they've done SO many times before. It's cheaper for the teams and also creates a nice little break or homestand.

There is, of course, no Thrashers games in the area of my birthday. Generally, it's because the circus takes over Philips Arena but this year it's the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics.

I looked at Tampa Bay's schedule too, but only for their home games. Since I'll be at Disney, I can probably catch a few games at the St. Pete Times' Forum now and again. The only time the Thrashers will be there is the day after Christmas (at least while I'm in Florida.)

Here's Tampa Bay's schedule for home games (while I'm there).



One thing I'll be sure to check out is the Lightning Girls. And why not?



They still don't compare to my Blue Crew (featured here wearing their CODE RED uniforms).



Let's have another look at those uniforms.



If you think that's offensive, you have to look at some more of the Lightning Girls. Here's just one of their photo galleries available online of the Tampa Bay Lightning Girls.

Oh, and Martin St. Louis. The midget of hockey plays for Tampa Bay. Hilarious.