AJC > Sports > Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > January > 24
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Moose in the finale before the break
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This is it. One last chance to try and go into the All-Star break on a positive note and not a five-game losing streak. But it won’t be easy. First, you have Ilya Kovalchuk’s suspension. He skated with the team this morning, but that’ll be it for him until the festivities this weekend. Brett Sterling will skate in his place on that line with Todd White and Mark Recchi, and Sterling said he’s looking forward for the opportunity, even if it’s just for one game. It’ll be a busy weekend for Sterling, who will likely play tonight, Friday and Saturday with the Wolves then play in the AHL All-Star game. But he seemed ready for it.
Good to see Jim Slater back in the mix. The Greek God line will be reunited with Slates centering Chris Thorburn and Eric Bolton. Honestly, the fourth line hasn’t had that same physical spark when those three were split up. I know this is really cup-half-full thinking, but the one positive about Kovalchuk not playing in this game is that that eliminates any payback from the Rangers on Kovalchuk. That fourth line would have had their hands full if the Rangers started talking liberties on Kovalchuk.
Johan Hedberg will start in goal in somewhat of a surprise. In fact, I just assumed Kari Lehtonen would be starting based on his strong performance the other night. I tell you, this trip feels more and more like the playoffs. But if I remember correctly, Moose was strong in goal in game four, so maybe we’ll see a repeat performance.
Both teams will be charged tonight. The Thrashers had a crisp business-like morning skate, I think they’re focused on the task at hand. But tonight is Brian Leetch Night, so you know the Rangers won’t want to lose when they’re honoring one of the best U.S.-born players to ever play the game. So once again, we’re going to have a playoff-type atmosphere at MSG and a packed house for a Thrashers/Rangers game.
Lynn Zinser with the New York Times wrote a nice setup piece on Leetch if you’re interested.
