Atlanta Thrashers Fire Head Coach

The Atlanta Thrashers have lost their first 6 games in regulation, being outscored by opponents 27 goals to 9. And now Head Coach Bob Hartley has lost his job.

Every game matters in the NHL. Every game. And you can't at any point in the season to drop six consecutive games, and expect it not have it make a significant effect on your post-season chances. The seasons only begun, and already the Thrashers will have to go 44-38 just to reach .500.

The facts are, like it or not, the Thrashers are not a very talented team. Last year they won their conference, the very uncompetitive Southeast Division, but showed just how they matched up against the other teams in the east by falling in 4 games to the New York Rangers.

A new coach is probably not going to lead this team to the playoffs, but the franchise has made it clear it will not accept the performance they have seen thus far this season. One thing is for certain, just because the head coach is packing, doesn't mean the pressure is off. General Manager Don Wadell will feel it from above and could be the next casualty of NHL season.

Hartley replaced Curt Fraser as Thrashers head coach halfway through the 02-03 season. Under his watch the Thrashers have improved there points total for 3 consecutive seasons, and last season they made their first franchise playoff appearance. Prior to coaching for Atlanta, Hartley coached for 4 seasons with the Colorado Avalanche, including during their 00-01 Stanley Cup Championship.

For now Don Wadell will step behind the bench, while the long list of potential suitors is reviewed. Names like Pat Quinn or even Igor Larionov have been thrown around, but as far as I'm concerned Kevin Constantine is the most promising candidate not coaching in the NHL.

Atlanta Thrashers (3) vs. New York Rangers (6)

The Atlanta Thrasher's finished atop the Southeast division, but it was the least competitive division in the league. The New York Rangers turned it up a notch late in the season to separate themselves from the pack, finishing 6th in the East. The Rangers have been battling all season in the tough Atlantic division, which sent 4 teams into the playoffs.

Both teams have the potential to run up the score. The Ranger's are lead by Jagr, Nylander and Shanahan. Nylander is not postseason experienced, but Jagr and Shanahan are, with 2 and 3 Cups, respectively. The only question for New York is Jagr's heart, for the past few years it's been up in the air on whether he was going to show up or not. He didn't score in last years early exit from the playoffs. But, when he does show up to play, he can be one of the most dangerous players in the league. The Thrasher's themselves have the incredible one-two punch of Hossa and Kovalchuk. But in the playoffs, depth becomes more important than ever, and they just don't have it.

Atlanta's Kari Lehtonen will be making his first playoff start, but he comes in playing strong. He's given up more than 3 goals only once in his last 17 starts. Henrik Lundqvist started 3 games in the playoffs last year, but he dropped all 3, giving up a total of 13 goals. How these young goaltenders play could shape the series.

I don't think this series will be as close as it may seem, the Thrashers are severely overrated, and I believe the playoffs will showcase their flaws. I'm picking the Rangers for the 4 game sweep.