Tampa - My first impression of Jordan LaVallee is that he’s huge. Not Boris Valibik tall, obviously, but who is? LaVallee is thick and 6-foot-3, throw some skates on him and I hurt my neck looking up to him during an interview after the morning skate. He said he hadn’t been told who he’s going to skate with tonight, but the quartet of him, Brad Larsen, Todd White and Eric Boulton skated together this morning.

Three games isn’t much time to make an evaluation, but at least he’ll get a taste of the NHL. He said he found out yesterday morning from Larry Simmons, calling it the best wake up call he’s ever received. He arrived in Tampa last night around 9 p.m. and said he was wiped out from a day-long adrenaline rush. What are your expectations for him tonight?

Looks like Kari Lehtonen is in goal, although Don Waddell wasn’t there today to talk lineup. I’m assuming he’s scouting some of these college games going on right now. And no, not the NCAA basketball tournament. By the way, thanks a lot Wisconsin for screwing up my Final Four, that’s what I get for putting my faith in the Badgers.

I’ve been meaning to chat for a moment with Colby Armstrong who I really feel for right now. Pittsburgh has moved to the top of the East and the Thrashers fall has been about as dramatic. It’s interesting watching him after games, because most of the players are at the point where they’re showering and exiting minutes after the game ends. But you can tell the losing is wearing on Armstrong. After the Washington loss the other night, he just sat at his locker, cursing. He was obviously livid, which you have to appreciate even though the games are essentially meaningless. You have to remember, this is a guy who loves to win, and has been known to bust out a victory dance after wins. I’m guessing he hasn’t been doing too much of that since arriving in Atlanta.

He said he still keeps in close touch with his former teammates. He watched the game yesterday that pushed the Penguins to the top of the conference. I told him he needs to recruit a couple of the unrestricted free agents from Pittsburgh, especially if the Penguins sign Hoss and don’t have money to keep everyone. You don’t think a guy like 6-foot-4 Ryan Malone would be a nice fit in Atlanta? He’s exactly the kind of gritty player the Thrashers need. Or how about a d-man like Brooks Orpik. You can tell Armstrong desperately wants to win and is looking forward to a clean slate next season, as I’m sure most of the fans are.

Asked Ilya Kovalchuk if he planned on playing in the World Championships, and he said he hadn’t been contacted yet about it. But he said he’d take a week off after the season, and then “why not?”

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