After a shutout victory by the Atlanta Thrashers over the New Jersey Devils, the Thrashers have now scored 12 out of a possible 14 points in their last 7 games. They have done this by defeating the best team in the league in Detroit, and by beating the teams just ahead of them in the playoff hunt in the eastern conference. This is exactly how this team has to perform if they expect to make the playoffs for the first time in franchise history, now in their sixth NHL season.

Garnett's goaltending has improved dramatically as the season has progressed, but he is supposed to be playing in the Thrasher's minor league system. Kari Lehtonen is set to return next week, and the excitement about the Thrashers is growing. With Garnett's recent performances, and Lehtonen's ability, the Thrashers could be as good as any team in the NHL, as their offense has shown it can play with anyone, taking the Red Wings to a 7-6 final. The power play is among the best in the league, and Marc Savard may be the most underrated player in the NHL. In fact, I believe Savard may be a lot of the reason Ilya Kovalchuk performs as well as he does. Savard offers a veteran's knowledge along with amazing talent. He knows how to score on his own, but he knows even better when to get the puck to his linemates, specifically Kovalchuk.

If this team is to perform well enough to reach the playoffs, it will fall squarely on the shoulders of the goaltenders. If injuries continue to haunt the Thrashers, they will have no chance at the playoffs, as it is unlikely Garnett will continue to maintain the streak he is currently on, but if Lehtonen can come back in from his groin injury and show that he is as good as the hype, the Thrashers should be in the playoffs for the first time, and could be a seriously dangerous team.