Busy day today in my first day back in the mix after Carroll gave me a few days to focus on All-Star Game stories. First, congratulations go out to a pair of Thrashers named to the Eastern Conference All-Star team. Ilya Kovalchuk will make his second career All-Star appearance and Marian Hossa his fourth. I’ll admit I was surprised that Hossa made it, and I’m sure the fact that the game is in Atlanta didn’t hurt his cause. He said he was a little surprised as well, but he’s excited to play an All-Star game in front of the home crowd for the first time in his career. That should be a great experience for both guys.

Any opinions on who got left off that should have made it for the East? For me, the big one is Mats Sundin. I was surprised he was left off, I’m sure people in Toronto are fired up about it.

But let’s talk a little about PIttsburgh for a moment, shall we? Kari Lehtonen will get the start in goal in the final game of the Thrashers five-game home stand. It’s been a pretty disappointing stretch, wouldn’t you say? The team had a chance to capitalize on a friendly schedule, but now it’s going to take a win against one of the hottest teams in the league in order to finish 2-2-1. Mark Recchi said he’s looking forward to not only seeing some friends from Pittsburgh but also showing the team that let him go how well things are going in Atlanta. It’s funny, most guys won’t admit to being a little extra motivated to face their old team, but Recchi was honest about it, saying that yeah, he was motivated to play well against the Penguins. And can you blame him?

Injury roundup: Outside of the Kari Lehtonen groin injury, the Thrashers have been pretty fortunate this season as far as major injuries go. But they are getting hit with a lot of bumps and bruises lately. Todd White didn’t practice today after blocking a shot with his ankle against Florida. Eric Perrin had to leave practice early today when he crashed into the net. But early indications are that it’s a charly horse and nothing major, so the Thrashers might have dodged a bullet. Steve McCarthy is still out with his strained rib. Eric Boulton looked good in practice and should be ready to go Saturday. Don Waddell said that Boulton’s return doesn’t automatically mean Kevin Doell will sit. He liked the way Doell’s line played against Florida, plus they’ll have to see how everybody is feeling on Saturday morning before any decisions are made. Did I forget anyone? Oh yeah, Jim Slater.

Slater on the mend: The cloud around Slater’s injury has led to a lot of speculation and understandably so. Let me try to clear some of it up. First, he skated today before practice and the team is easing him back into shape. His injury/illness is a groin injury that caused stomach discomfort. You can stop the Slater vigils and candle lighting, it sounds like he’s going to be just fine. He just needs to get back into hockey shape.

Alright, I have to head back to the Acworth area from here in Duluth before Friday rush hour gets too crazy (too late, I know). But I’ll be online to answer comments if you have anything else you want cleared up.

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