Salmela making most of recent opportunity

It hasn't been easy for Anssi Salmela. The Thrashers defenseman has watched more games from the press box than from the ice this season.

Until lately, that is.

Salmela has played the past four games for the Thrashers. After having been a healthy scratch the previous six games, Salmela has a plus-two rating since getting back in the lineup Jan. 1.

“I’ve been working hard to get back in the lineup and trying to keep a positive mind,” Salmela said. “It was very hard. You play one or two games and then you are on the bench one or two games. There is no rhythm when you don’t get to play. That’s why when I get back in the lineup I don’t try to take so many risks, just basic play. It’s kind of hard.”

Salmela has been in a rotation with Mark Popovic and Boris Valabik for the team's sixth defenseman position. He has appeared in 21 of the Thrashers' 43 games. He has one goal, scored on opening night, has three assists and is a plus-4.

Salmela played 14:15 in Thursday’s win against the Rangers and made quite a bit from his 18 shifts. He jumped into the offensive zone several times, had a good scoring chance and took two roughing penalties.

"He's playing with an edge, he's jumping up in the play," Thrashers coach John Anderson said. "He's doing all the things that we wanted him to do at the start of the year. He's still as a few things to work out. After not playing quite a bit, he's done a real good job for us."

Being inactive for so many games hasn't been the only adjustment for Salmela since being acquired by the Thrashers from the Devils for Nic Havelid. New Jersey, known for its defensive prowess, doesn't ask the same of its defensmen. Anderson encourages his defensemen to jump into the offensive zone when prudent.

“Basically there are a lot more set plays here,” Salmela said. “In New Jersey the d-man is just there in the zone to get [the puck] to the forwards. We didn’t have [any plays]. Here we have more set plays and you can play with the puck more. I like to play that way.

“… I try to play whatever the coaches want me to play. I like to play with the puck, but at the same time you have to play calm and comfortable on the ice.”

As the 25-year-old native of Finland gets more comfortable in Atlanta, his personality is beginning to show. He can be quick with an impersonation.

“Maybe, now-a-days that I’m more comfortable with the language,” Salmela said of his emerging persona. “I’m a chill-down guy. I don’t stress too much.”