Thrashers’ Kovalchuk, Lehtonen on All-Star ballot

Thrashers forward Ilya Kovalchuk and goaltender Kari Lehtonen are on the NHL All-Star Game ballot for the starting lineup for the Eastern Conference.

Voting begins next Wednesday for the All-Star Game in Montreal on Jan. 25.

Kovalchuk has appeared in two All-Star Games (2004 and 2008). He also was selected to the 2002 NHL YoungStars Game, where he was named MVP. Lehtonen, who was selected to the 2007 NHL YoungStars Game.

Voting can be done online at www.nhl.com. Fans can also cast votes via text messaging using any wireless carrier. Fans should text their favorite player’s last name to the shortcode 81812. Fans interested in voting for all of their favorite team’s balloted players can text the team nickname (e.g., Thrashers) to 81812.

The three forwards, two defensemen and goaltender who receive the most votes in each conference by the close of balloting on Jan. 2 will comprise starting lineup.