It will be Kovalchuk vs. Ovechkin when the Thrashers open the upcoming season.

The Thrashers kick off the 2008-09 NHL season on Friday, Oct. 10 at home against Southeast Division rival Washington. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

Alexander Ovechkin and Ilya Kovalchuk, All-Stars and fellow Russians, finished first and second in the NHL in goals scored last season. The Thrashers' Kovalchuk had 52 goals last season, second only to the Capitals' Ovechkin, who led the league with 65 goals. He also led the league with 112 points and led the Capitals to the playoffs after winning the division title.

The Thrashers' schedule also includes three "at-large" opponents — Detroit, Colorado and Nashville. The Thrashers will play these three Western Conference teams twice (one at home, one on the road). The Thrashers will play the other 12 teams in the West once each (six at home, six on the road).

The Thrashers open training camp in September. Their first preseason game is Sept. 25.

The full season schedule will be released by the NHL Thursday.