The Atlanta Thrashers inaugural NHL season was in 1999/2000. The Thrasher team name is named after the State bird of Georgia. The team since it’s inception into the league has played in the Southeast Division in the Eastern Conference of the League. The team currently plays in Phillips Arena, they have been playing there since their first season. The Thrashers made their first playoff appearance in 2006-2007 that coincided with their first division title.

In the team’s first playoff series they played the New York Rangers. The Rangers swept the Thrashers in four games. Ilya Kovalchuk who has been one of the league’s top scorers since his first season in the league led the team.

The Thrashers during the 2006-2007 regular season were able to win their first ever division title. They were able to finish the season strongly and overcome the Tampa Bay Lightning and Defending Stanley Cup Champions Carolina Hurricanes. http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/nhl19272007.html

Kovalchuk has been the face of the franchise since his first season in 2001-2002. He led the league in goals and winning the Maurice Richard trophy in 2004. http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=56745 He has been a two time 50 goal scorer as well. Kovalchuk has also been the leading point getter for the team in five years. He was traded to the New Jersey Devils in 2010 and leaves the Thrashers as their all time leader in games played, Goals, assists and points. http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/display_players.php?tmi=4682 Dany Heatley played three seasons with the team and with Kovalchuk formed a formidable scoring combination for the team. High scoring winger Marian Hossa was traded for Heatley and resumed Heatley’s spot playing with Kovalchuk. Hossa became the first Thrasher to score 100 points, Hossa was able to accomplish the feat in 2006-2007.http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/teams/0017902007.html

• 2007: Lost in First Round to New York Rangers