What exactly was Atlanta Thrashers coach Bob Hartley thinking on Thursday night going into a shootout against the Philadelphia Flyers?
Hartley pulled goaltender Johan Hedberg, who had stopped 29 of 31 shots in regulation and overtime, for the shootout and replaced him with No. 1 goalie Kari Lehtonen, who promptly surrendered goals to the first two shooters he saw, leading to Atlanta's loss.
This was a boneheaded move for two reasons: Hedberg had played very well, AND what sort of message does this send to Hedberg, the team's backup goalie. Given Lehtonen's injury history, it's likely the Southeast Division leaders will need to lean on Hedberg in the net at some point this season.
... Meanwhile, who will stop the Sabres, who have tied an NHL record with 10 victories to start the season? The Thrashers travel to Buffalo on Saturday night. ... Buffalo is winning with good puck movement, speed, balanced scoring and very good goaltending from Ryan Miller. It's interesting to note that the team Buffalo tied for the record, the 1993-94 Toronto Maple Leafs, did not even advance to the Stanley Cup Finals after that start.
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