Scouting the Thrashers

After a miserable 0-6 start got Bob Hartley fired as coach, Ilya Kovalchuk (NHL-best 17 goals) and the Thrashers have been one of the league's hottest teams under new bench boss/GM Don Waddell, winning six of seven and 10 of 14 to climb back to .500.

One of those victories came in overtime, 2-1, over the Caps on Nov. 6, caused, in part, by a bad line change. If you read my story in today's Post, then you already know that eliminating long shifts and bad line changes was the focus of yesterday's practice.

Speaking of losing to the Thrashers in OT, a lot of teams have been doing that lately, the Lightning being their most recent victims, 4-3, Monday. Atlanta is a league best 5-0 in overtime and shootouts, as this article in the AJC points out. Kovalchuk is 2 for 2 this season after going 2 for 12 a season ago.

Since Todd White was put on a line with Kovalchuk and Hossa eight games ago, Kovalchuk and Hossa have combined for 18 goals and 12 assists.

The Caps, losers of four straight and eight of nine, would be fortunate just to get to extra time tonight. Yep, it's that bad.

Update: All was quiet all the morning skate, I'm told. I'll update again before the game if news breaks.