Thrashers still alive
The Atlanta Thrashers have never made the playoffs. And unless everything falls into place the last two days of the regular season, they’ll be sitting home again.
It would be a bitter blow for this 7-year-old franchise, which appeared to be one of the most improved teams after the lockout and played admirably down the stretch.
“We’re at that stage where we’re really hoping for some help,” coach Bob Hartley said.
The Thrashers, who have won four straight and are 6-1-1 in their last eight games, still find themselves three points behind Tampa Bay for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
Seventh-place Montreal also is within reach, but the Canadiens have a four-point cushion in the playoff race.
So it comes down to this: Atlanta must win its final two games – at Washington tonight, at Florida the following night – and hope either Tampa Bay or Montreal loses its regular-season finale. Those teams will both be playing at home on Tuesday.
“We have to find ways to win,” goalie Mike Dunham said. “There’s not much margin for error. Just because it’s not your night, you can’t say it’s not your night. We don’t have enough time for that.”
‘08 All-Star game in Atlanta
The NHL All-Star game is coming to Atlanta – again.
The city was supposed to host the 2005 game, but the season was canceled because of the lockout. So, Philips Arena was awarded the league’s midseason showcase in ‘08.
“This a bit of deja vu all over again,” said NHL senior vice president Ken Yaffe, who made the announcement Saturday at a news conference before the Thrashers’ final regular-season home game. “I thank the club for their patience in this process.”
The Thrashers were penciled in for the 2007-08 season almost as soon as the lockout was settled. No All-Star game was held this season because of the Olympic break, and there wasn’t time to secure enough hotel rooms and convention space for next year.
Dallas was awarded the ‘07 game.
Leafs sign Wisconsin star
The Toronto Maple Leafs signed Wisconsin forward Robbie Earl to a three-year contract on Saturday.
Earl, the most outstanding player of the Frozen Four Tournament who helped lead the Badgers to their first national championship since 1990 last Saturday, will join the Toronto Marlies of the AHL and is eligible to play in the playoffs, which begin on April 21.
On the ice
Devils 5, Flyers 1: At East Rutherford, N.J., Brian Gionta extended his point-scoring steak to 14 games and Patrik Elias had two goals to lead the surging Devils to their 10th straight win.
Sabres 6, Maple Leafs 0: At Buffalo, N.Y., Ryan Miller made 31 saves for his first shutout of the season.
Coyotes 3, Blues 0: At St. Louis, Curtis Joseph made 40 saves for his fourth shutout and Phoenix ended its season by blanking the Blues.
Blackhawks 4, Blue Jackets 3: At Chicago, Kyle Calder scored the winning goal with 4:32 left in the third period to lift the Blackhawks to a victory over Columbus and end a five-game losing streak.