AJC > Sports > Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > March > 04
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Abrupt end to practice
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Just when you think there’s nothing to write about, the Thrashers get kicked off the ice at practice. Thanks Beast. Thrashers coaches must not have liked what they saw in one of the final drills of today’s practice because it was abruptly ended. I’ve got some good player reaction for the story for the paper, so I’ll make you wait, but it doesn’t seem like a good sign that, in a practice before the game against first-place Carolina, the team isn’t sharp enough to satisfy all the coaches.
Before it ended though - Ken Klee, Niclas Havelid and Todd White were all healthy enough to practice. Havelid said he got an x-ray done on his hyperextended elbow and there is no ligament damage, so he’s ready to go. Todd White wasn’t so sure. He practiced but said he would wait until the morning to see how things felt. Don Waddell said, regardless of if White plays or not, Bryan Little will still be in the lineup. Waddell was non-committal about how the lineup would look for the Carolina game.
Interesting night in hockey tonight if you have the Center Ice package: Sidney Crosby returns to the lineup for the Penguins game against the Lightning. Out west, Peter Forsberg is expected to play against the Vancouver Canucks tonight in Denver. It’ll be fun to see if the Penguins make the leap with Crosby’s return and the anticipated return of Marian Hossa to the lineup.
Good discussion yesterday about lottery vs. playoffs. I didn’t have a chance to jump in and respond, but let me now:
Alan: Good points. I wouldn’t be surprised if Recchi is back next season, he wants to return plus the team obviously likes him as evidenced by his quick promotion to alternate captain. I’m not so sure about Dupuis. I think this team will address defense and maybe look to continue to get bigger and more physical at forward. That’s not Dupuis’ game. But it might be a little early to speculate there.
Fuego: I think if the team loses on Wednesday and falls out of the race, you might get your wish for a look at some of the young players, especially on D.
Shoot it: I think they would have been thrilled to build around Kovalchuk AND Hossa. But ultimately that became Marian’s decision and he wasn’t ready to commit to being a part of it.
Buzilla: I’m with you. I think it’s hard to judge Valabik until we see him get an opportunity on the ice in the NHL.
Brendan: So, are you now officially in the Fire Waddell camp?
