Doctor's OK, delayed flight got Kovalchuk to New York for return

By Chris Vivlamore

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

All Ilya Kovalchuk needed was proof that he had not re-injured his foot. After that, he was on the Thrashers’ plane bound for New York.

Kovalchuk had a goal and two assists in Thursday’s 5-3 win over the Rangers, his first game in nearly three weeks after breaking a bone in his right foot.

After skating Monday for the first time since suffering the injury, and again Tuesday, Kovalchuk appeared ready to return. However, he left before Wednesday’s practice after experiencing pain. He made a trip to the doctor and the team announced that his return to the lineup would be delayed.

Good thing the team charter was delayed.

Kovalchuk had an X-ray and was assured by doctors he had not re-injured the foot.

“[The doctor] said everything is good, you can’t hurt it anymore,” Kovalchuk said Friday.

He was able to make the team flight, participate in the morning skate and play 22 minutes, 22 seconds against the Rangers. He joked Friday that it wasn’t enough playing time.

“I didn’t plan on playing him over 20 minutes, and I ended up playing him 22,” Thrashers coach John Anderson said. “One thing about Kovy, he’s one of those rare athletes that you can keep playing him and playing him. I asked him last year, ‘Do you think you can play 25 minutes?’ He said ‘I think I can play 30.’ That’s the type of mentality he has.”

Kovalchuk said he did not experience swelling in his foot following Thursday’s game. He skipped the team’s optional skate Friday morning but played Friday night against Los Angeles.

Kovalchuk will continue to wear a walking boot for another two weeks.

Etc.

*With Kovalchuk’s return, the Thrashers reassigned forward Spencer Machacek to their AHL affiliate in Chicago. Machacek was called up before Thursday’s game but was a healthy scratch against the Rangers.

*Forward Bryan Little was scratched with what the team called “a slight groin injury.” He’s listed as day-to-day.