AJC > Sports > Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2007 > January > 23
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
YoungStars and league news
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Another busy day here in Dallas. It started with a media event with the YoungStars competitors. We had breakfast with the players, so I shared some scrambled eggs and bacon at a table with Kari Lehtonen and Jussi Jokinen. The two told stories about playing against each other in Finland. Jokinen said he’s only scored once on Lehtonen and he’s been playing against him since he was 14 or 15. Kari, answered with, ‘yeah, but he’s got like 50 assists.’
Speaking of Lehtonen, Darren Eliot named him the future of goaltending in his “Skill by skill” article on cnnsi.com, in an article that breaks down the best goaltenders in the league. I know Bob Hartley repeatedly says that he has the best young goaltender in the league.
You might not be able to tell tonight though. The YoungStars game is 4-on-4 and there probably won’t be much defense. Kari basically said he’s hoping he doesn’t embarrass himself. That opinion was also expressed by Peter Budaj who will start in goal for the Western Conference YoungStars.
Commissioner Gary Bettman addressed the media in an afternoon press conference. Here were some highlights:
Lastly, it looks like Marian Hossa will skate on a line with Buffalo’s Daniel Briere and….. you guessed it, Dany Heatley. The three skated together during practice last night, so I’m guessing that’s who we’ll see Hossa paired with on Wednesday night. Should be interesting.
