Thrashers 4, Penguins 2

When you look at the game tonight, you wonder how it was that the Penguins lost the game. What was it that made the difference?

The Thrashers scored their three main goals (not counting the empty net goal at the end) on really nice shots that Fleury really had no chance to do anything about. The Pens did battle back and tied the score at 2 in the first minute of the third period. They nearly took the lead or tied it again several times, but just couldn't do it. Crosby hit the side of the net on a wide open cage in the third.

What is it that makes the difference for a team? What makes these close contests start turning from losses into wins on a consistent basis?

I'm going to go with Michel Therrien's opinion. After the game, he basically answered the question for me, saying that the team is young and inexperienced. A game like this, facing adversity and giving it all you have (and he was satisfied with the team's effort) builds for the future, and THAT will turn these narrow losses into victories.

Let's hope he's right.

Next up: vs Toronto on Friday at the Igloo. Mats Sundin is a Penguin killer.