Anderson looks to give Antropov more chances

By Chris Vivlamore

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Thrashers free-agent signee Nik Antropov is the second-leading scorer on the team this season with 13 points -- all assists.

Thrashers coach John Anderson wants the 6-foot-6, 240-pounder to move in front of the net to generate more scoring chances.

“We talked to him about shooting more,” Anderson said. “He had ... seven shots on net last game. His total [for the season] is 18. That’s my point to him. I think he got the message. The other thing we talked about is he’s a little stationary in front of the net. I want him in front of the net, but a little bit more mobile so that any pucks that kick out he’s not starting from a standing stop. He’s got a little bit of movement so he gets to loose pucks first.”

Boulton dish

This week the NHL Insider caught up with Thrashers forward Eric Boulton for an off-the-ice Q&A. Here are his thoughts on such things as his hockey hero Wendel Clark and falling down on the job in his first NHL shift.

Q. What’s the best thing about the city of Atlanta?

A. The whole Southern culture. The hospitality, the weather, the outdoor activities, the whole thing.

Q. What’s the worst thing about the city of Atlanta?

A. The traffic.

Q. If you were not playing hockey for a living, what would you do?

A. I’d be a stay-at-home dad and let my wife work.

Q. Who was your hockey hero growing up?

A. Wendel Clark. He’s a hard-nosed guy that played his heart out every night. He could put the puck in the net as well.

Q. What was your ‘Welcome to the NHL moment?’

A. My first NHL game [in Buffalo]. It was a one-one-one and I fell down and the guy went in on a breakaway on my first shift. Luckily our goalie made the save. Lindy Ruff, the coach, patted me on the back and laughed about it. He said it happens to everybody. That was my Welcome to the NHL moment. It was pretty bad.

Q. If you could choose your final meal, what would it be?

A. A PEI [Prince Edward Island] lobster.

Prospect update

• Tim Stapleton, acquired in the trade with Toronto for Pavel Kubina, is leading the Thrashers' AHL affiliate Chicago in goals with seven (heading into Friday’s game). Stapleton has a total of 10 points, tied with Spencer Machacek for the team lead.

The Wolves were 5-7-0-1 (11 points), last place in the West Division, headed into Friday’s game.

• Thrashers prospect Chad Denny has a goal and an assist for the ECHL’s Gwinnett Gladiators headed into Friday’s game. The Gladiators are 5-2-1-1 (12 points) and in second place in the South Division, headed into Friday’s games.

• This year’s second-round draft pick Jeremy Morin is tied for third in the OHL in goals with 18, headed into Friday’s game. Through his first 19 games with Kitchener, he has 26 points (18 goals, 8 assists).

GM meetings

At the recently concluded GM meetings in Toronto the main items discussed were:

• The goalie trapezoid, part of the rule changes following the lockout, will remain.

• There also was debate on ways to limit blindside hits to the head. The topic will be studied again at the next meetings in March.