Game:

NHL 08 (2007)

Duration: 11:39

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2

Two games have been played in the first round of these playoffs and history seems to be repeating itself for the Thrashers. Like last year, they won the division and entered the playoffs as the third seed. Like last year, they have fallen into a 2-0 hole, despite playing both games at home. Like last year, they are facing a team that hadn't previously won a playoff game since before the lockout. And, like last year, Kari Lehtonen has struggled mightily in this series. With so many similarities to last year, it seems like Atlanta is on the verge of getting swept in the opening round for the second consecutive season. Unlike last year, though, this time, Atlanta is showing faith that Kari can come through by sticking with him, at least for now. If they are to stand a chance in this series, though, first, they must improve their faceoff percentage, which had been one of their greatest strengths in the regular season, but they haven't done as well in the faceoff circle this series. And second, if they are going to win this series, they are going to have to win not once, but at least twice in Toronto. And we first start off with Game 3, where a victory here to avoid falling into a devastating 3-0 hole would be huge for Atlanta, who as a franchise, still hasn't won a postseason game, and is currently 0-6 in that department. We now begin Game 3 with the following questions: Can the Atlanta Thrashers avoid a complete repeat of history, win their first ever playoff game, and earn the right to play at least one more game at home? Or will the Maple Leafs move one step closer to a sweep and advancing to the second round of these Stanley Cup playoffs?

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