AJC > Sports > Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2007 > November > 05
Monday, November 5, 2007
Kovalchuk earns NHL honors
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Let’s start this blog off with some non-surprising news - Ilya Kovalchuk was named the NHL’s first star of the week. He joined Henrik Lundqvist (second star) and Marian Gaborik (third star) in the weekly honors. A couple interesting factoids in the NHL press release — Kovalchuk was the first player to register consecutive hat tricks since Alex Kovalev did it for PIttsburgh in 2001. He was also the first to reach that accomplishment in two road games since Mario Lemieux in 1995. That’s not some bad company right there.
As much as Kovalchuk sparked the team with his outstanding performance in Tampa Bay, a few guys mentioned again today the play of Ondrej Pavelec as being a big part of the comeback. Steve Weeks said that after a save on Lecavalier by Pavelec, the team got a big boost and he maintained that strong play as his teammate rallied to complete the comeback. Because of that, Pavelec will get the start against Washington when the Thrashers return to Philips Arena on Tuesday night. It’s a well-deserved opportunity for Pavelec, who despite being so young and inexperienced, has been able to keep a high level of confidence so far. He’s getting more comfortable in the dressing room, and you have to credit guys like Bobby Holik and Marian Hossa for making him feel comfortable during the long road trip. Hossa said they tried to include the young goalie on trips out to dinner and things like that, especially since they all speak the same language. It would be something if this kid could get hot during this stretch as the Thrashers battle back towards the .500 mark.
Practice report: Garnet Exelby, who took a puck off his ankle against Tampa Bay, tried to practice, but didn’t make it all the way through today. He’ll be a game-time decision for the Thrashers against the Caps. The duo of Ken Klee and Exelby have been the most dependable pair so far this season, and you can tell they are earning Don Waddell’s trust. Speaking of Don, look for a Mark Bradley column on him. Mark was at practice today, and it’s always good to hear what he has to say.
Spoke with Kari Lehtonen today, and his rehab continues to go well. He said that physically, he’s in the best shape of his life right now and is looking forward to getting back in hockey shape. He’s working the groin a little bit, with the slide board and an exercise machine and said his return is right on schedule. He declined to set a timetable, but nothing indicates that the original 4-6 week prediction has changed.
Lastly, Brett Sterling was sent to Chicago. He hasn’t played since the loss to Nashville, so it’s good for him to go to the AHL and get some work. Waddell has been really happy with the play of the fourth line — Boutlon, Slater and Thorburn, so it was going to be tough to get Sterls back on the ice.
