The playoffs were almost a given for Johnny Oduya.
In his first three seasons in the NHL, the defenseman was part of the postseason with the Devils. However, since coming to the Thrashers in February as part of the Ilya Kovalchuk trade, a fourth consecutive trip is not a guarantee. The Thrashers currently are fighting to make the second postseason appearance in franchise history.
“It's tougher being around that sixth or eighth spots than maybe being in the second or third spot," Oduya said. "You don't have any breathing room. It's a new situation for me."
The Devils won the Atlantic Division twice and finished second in Oduya's three seasons. They lost twice in the first round and once in the conference semifinals. The regular season essentially has become the playoffs since being traded to the Thrashers.
“At this point there is nothing to lose," Oduya said. "We kind of know what's at stake. ... It could be a worse situation. Every game is important moving forward. That's what you want. ... It's been like that mentally for awhile."
Around the Thrashers
● With the Thrashers' addition of Chris Chelios, coach John Anderson has more fodder for his sense of humor. At age 52, Anderson is only four years older than his newest defenseman.
Anderson's take on Chelios' training regime of riding an exercise bike in a sauna: "I was in [AHL] Chicago for 11 years. I couldn't get the owner to buy me a couch for my office. Now I find out he's built them a sauna so he can ride the bike in it."
His take on Chelios' conditioning: "He doesn't look like [he's 48 years old]. My wife says she wants me to go on his diet."
Anderson said Chelios has been open to suggestion since arriving: "The other day I went over to him and I go 'Chelly, I think your stick is too short. As you get older, you don't want to bend over as far.' He said I'll think about that. I was just joking."
● Peter Mannino has a 15-game win streak for the AHL Calder Cup playoffs-bound Chicago Wolves. Mannino is 23-3-0 this season with a 2.12 goals-against average and .926 save percentage.
● In 58 games, Thrashers second-round draft pick Jeremy Morin has 83 points (47 goals, 36 assists) playing for Kitchener of the Ontario Hockey League.
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