Up next: Ilya Kovalchuk (and his trade rumors), Nik Antropov and the Atlanta Thrashers

by FrankD on Jan 5, 2010 7:00 AM EST in 2009-10 game previews

[SBN Atlanta Thrashers blog - Birdwatcher's Anonymous]

Record: 18-7-6 (9th in the East)

Top scorers: Ilya Kovalchuk (25g, 22a), Maxim Afinogenov (15g, 24a), Nik Antropov (11g, 25a)

If there's one thing the Penguins and Thrashers have in common heading into tonight's match it's that they are both trying to skate through a rough patch. As I'm sure you know by now, the Pens have dropped five-straight games, salvaging zero points over the past week.

As for Atlanta, well, over the past 10 games ATL has managed only one win, and even that one came in overtime. They have, however, tallied three pity points along the way, putting the ten-game total at five. The past two outings have at least awarded them with a point in each effort, so I guess the Thrashers are doing slightly better in terms of recent action. Emphasis on slightly.

It's funny in a way, because ever since the Thrashers released their "halfway home" ticket packages, a midseason ticket deal that includes guaranteed seats for the playoffs, they've won only one game. I guess they jumped the gun a bit, huh?

But hey, perhaps there is a bit of a distraction around the locker room as of late. After all, when your captain is involved in a bunch of trade rumors it may be hard to keep that on-ice unity alive. According to Greg at Puck Daddy, the Chicago Blackhawks may be looking into some sort of deal to bring Kovi to Chi-town. Sounds like it could have the same impact of the Hossa-to-Penguins deal from a few years back, doesn't it? Not to mention he could potentially be reunited with the aforementioned Hossa, which is likely just as much a part of the rumor as anything else flying around out there.

As of today, and by that I mean while Kovalchuk remains in a Thrashers jersey, he continues to lead the team in goals and points. Maxim Afinogenov isn't far off from the lead with his 39 points either, but Kovalchuk remains the driving force behind that offense.

At least there's some salvation in knowing that one of these two teams is guaranteed two points by the end of the night. Who's it going to be?

Puck and thread at 7:30.

Tweet Comment 7 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

If the Thrashers don’t resign Kovalchuk they might as well pack up and leave ATL. He is their franchise. It just doesn’t seem like Waddell and the ownership their are going to be able to do enough, or spend enough to be a serious contender. They have a lot of great draft picks coming up, but they will have to pay those guys too eventually. I think if they get Kovy to sign a 10 year deal, that will really put a strangle hold on spending for other players. As far as the ATL CHI trade rumors. Part of me thinks it would make sense, cap relief and an allstar team top 6 for CHI. Part of me thinks giving up Versteeg and Barker for a rental is just stupid. Thats a huge difference compared to Colby and Christiansen etc for Hossa. Barker and Versteeg are not the 2 guys CHI should try to move. Then again I dont think theres much interest in aquiring a Sopel Campbell or Huet. so

by genomachine-O on Jan 5, 2010 8:11 AM EST reply actions

I don’t think Campbell will ever leave Chicago. He kinda has a big price tag and all. If anything they may try and move a few small forwards and perhaps a draft pick or two, but I think you’re right about Kovi in ATL. If they don’t re-sign him they will really be hurting. As is right now they aren’t a bad team at all. Next season, a team without Kovalchuk will carry around that void that no one can fill. He’ll be the missing piece down there for a while.

Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com and twitter.

by FrankD on Jan 5, 2010 10:30 AM EST up reply actions