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Sunday, November 9, 2008
The Man Who Deserves The “C”
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Rather than appoint a team captain prior to the beginning of this season, coach John Anderson instead chose to select five players to wear an “A” on their jerseys…then allow the team to choose their captain from that group as the season unfolded.
Four weeks and fourteen games later, I believe that one player has proven himself worthy of that honor and, were the players asked to make their selection today, I believe he would be the overwhelming choice to have the “C” applied to his Thrashers sweater.
That person’s name is Vyacheslav “Slava” Anatolevich Kozlov.
So far this season, Kozzy has led the most dynamic and energetic forward line on the team. The eight goals scored by Little and Kozlov tie for the team lead and their 14 overall points tie for second behind White’s 15. Combined the trio have accounted for 20 of the 40 total Atlanta goals. Little is a +7, White +4 and Kozlov is +1… the only forwards that are in the black in regards to the +/- ratio. Nic Havelid, the only other player, is a +5.
He has no doubt been instrumental in the on-ice success of young Bryan Little as well as the improved play of Todd White…and that type of leadership is what the entire team needs at this time.
But the captain of a team is not solely determined by good statistics and on-ice play. Kozlov also displays the calm, controlled demeanor that benefits younger players. His outward appearance always seems to be the same whether the team is winning or not. He is a stabilizing force that is needed on a team like this year’s Thrashers.
Two Saturday’s ago the Thrashers were in the midst of an embarrassing loss to the New Jersey Devils. Trailing 6-0 in the third, Kozzy scored a goal that was only important in that it allowed his team to avoid their second shutout in three games. There was no fist pumping…no celebration at all from the 36-year old native of Voskresensk, Russia. But his lack of emotion was not a display of an uncaring attitude…moreover, it seemed like he was letting his teammates know that goals scored in the final period are supposed to be game winners or ones that put the opposition away. At least, that is the way successful teams view it.
Conciliatory goals that simply serve to thwart shutout attempts by the opposition’s goalie or padding for personal statistics are never something to get overly happy about…and it was obvious he was none-too-happy with the way his team was performing at the time.
There is also the fact that his numbers so far come after a very disappointing 2007-08 campaign. Of course, there are not too many Thrashers who can point to last year with a great deal of pride. But we learned over the summer that much of the reason for Kozzy’s slump was due to the fact that he played hurt through so much of the season…needing surgery during the offseason. Still, he played in all 82 games last year with nary a complaint.
That is the kind of character and dedication to the team that can only come from a true leader.
Not to be overlooked is the fact that Kozlov is on this team because he has chosen to be. On Independence Day two summers ago, he voluntarily signed up for another tour of duty with this club after already having served valiantly here for four seasons. He could have chosen another venue…but instead decided to remain.
Name for me another big-name player who has opted to stay in Atlanta when given the opportunity to bolt. Marc Savard? Nope. Marian Hossa? Gimme a break.
But Slava did…and that type of loyalty deserves something in return.
He’s the leader of the most productive line on offense. He displays the most effective brand of leadership that speaks loudest…that of example. He is resilient, dedicated, plays through pain and he’s here because wants to be.
Slava Kozlov…he’s the man who has earned the “C” and should be rewarded with being able to wear it for as long as he remains a Thrasher.
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