Thrashers juggle lines after late-game success

By Chris Vivlamore

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

John Anderson is sticking with a good thing.

The Thrashers coach switched his offensive lines Sunday against Tampa Bay. The moves resulted in three third-period goals that forced overtime before a 4-3 loss to the Lightning.

The new lines practiced together Tuesday in advance of Wednesday’s game at Detroit.

Ilya Kovalchuk will skate on a line with Rich Peverley and Colby Armstrong. Slava Kozlov moves to a line with Nik Antropov and Max Afinogenov. Evander Kane will join Todd White and Bryan Little. The fourth line remains intact.

“I liked what I saw in the third period of the last game,” Anderson said. “Sometimes you get a little stale. I’d like our jump [Sunday]. I’d like to keep some continuity, but lines are not set in stone. We have to do what we have to do for each given week and each given game.”

The three late goals Sunday were all results from the new lines. Tobias Enstrom scored on assists from Kozlov and Antropov. Kozlov scored his second goal of the season on an assist from Antropov. Kane tied the game with 2:31 remaining on an assist from White.

Armstrong said skating with new partners is not a big deal.

“I think I play the same way no matter where I’m at,” he said. “I try to play hard, be tough to play against and be responsible at both ends. Nothing is going to change if I’m out there with [Kovalchuk and Peverley]. For myself, I have to start putting the puck in the net or offensively create a little more.”

Pavelec to start

Anderson said that Ondrej Pavelec likely will be in goal against Detroit as the Thrashers try to break a three-game losing streak.

Pavelec (6-5-3) has a 2.96 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage. He stopped 36 of 40 shots Sunday against Tampa Bay.