> MASTERTON FOR MOOSE? Thrashers goalie Johan Hedberg was recently nominated by the Professional Hockey Writers Association for the Bill Masterton Trophy. The award is given annually to the player who best exemplifies perseverance, sportsmanship, character and dedication to hockey.

Hedberg, a ninth-round pick by the Flyers in 1994, continues to make strong contributions to the team he plays for —- on and off the ice. Teammates call him the hardest-working player on the team, and he helped keep the Thrashers afloat when Kari Lehtonen went down with an injury earlier this season.

"It's a great honor for me to be nominated in that category," Hedberg said. "I try to take a lot of pride in the way I handle myself on and off the ice. . . . Just to be mentioned gives me credit for the daily work that I do."

Voting for the Masterton ends March 31.

> PICKING UP THE SLACK: Entering Friday's game, Ilya Kovalchuk had eight goals in the nine games since Marian Hossa was traded. He's doing his part to fill the scoring void created by Hossa's departure to Pittsburgh.

In the nine games following the Hossa trade, Mark Recchi had zero goals, Slava Kozlov one goal, Eric Perrin one goal and Bryan Little one goal.

Kozlov got his second goal since the trade deadline in the first period against the Caps.

> EXELBY BRINGS IN THE MOST: Before Thursday's game against Calgary, the Thrashers wore green St. Patrick's Day jerseys during warm-ups and then auctioned them off for charity during the game. The fund-raiser generated $16,400 for the Thrashers Foundation.

Which jersey brought in the most? Garnet Exelby drew the highest bid when his jersey went for $1,625.