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THRASHERS LOSE FIRST GAME OF THEIR PRESEASON TO ISLANDERS
The Atlanta Thrashers lost their first game of the preseason Saturday Afternoon to the New York Islanders 4-3. The story of the game for the Thrashers was not the game itself but the controversy prior to the game. Ilya Bryzgalov was expected to start in goal for the Thrashers but a miscue in the lineup card made him ineligible and Marc Denis had to start on his expected day off.
"That was our mistake. It was a miscue on the part of our coaching staff, Ilya was supposed to start tonight. We definately had a lineup though still that should have won this game." - GM Sutaria
As for the game itself, the #1 line for the Thrashers had an off game defensively and were a combined -5 on the night.
"I think that was the key for the night in terms of the score. Offensively we played fine and had 35 shots and scored 3 goals. Defensively our top line didn't come back effectively enough and they know they have to be better defensively.
A positive was the play of our new addition Alexei Ponikarovsky. He played a great game and we are looking forward to his season this year."
Power Play's:
Atlanta 0 for 2
NYI 0 for 4
Shots on Goal:
Atlanta 35
NYI 27
3 Stars:
1st - Ryan Getzlaf (Islanders)
2nd - Steve Shields (Islanders)
3rd - Alexei Ponikarovsky (Thrashers)