Raw Charge, a Tampa Bay Lightning community

"Anyways, this story is a rite of passage for Thrashers beat writers. We all had to deal with stories about the Thrashers leaving. But having lived down there, I know hockey can work in Atlanta. I covered the only two playoff games in franchise history and, honestly, Philips Arena was one of the loudest playoff venues I've ever been in. The atmosphere is great. They just need to win, that market won't support a loser, but really, not many will. I also know the league is very interested in keeping the Thrashers in Atlanta. As fickle as the sports fans are in Atlanta, it's still a huge market. And there are a ton of transplanted hockey fans down there. That's my long way of saying, don't bet on the Thrashers going anywhere."