Thrashers skidding as Kovalchuk, team remain apart on money

By Bud L. Ellis

The ugly truth behind the Atlanta Thrashers’ recent skid is thing could get worse … much worse.

With superstar winger and soon-to-be free agent Ilya Kovalchuk still not signed, Atlanta’s 1-6-3 record in its past 10 games is merely a companion part of the misery suffered by fans of a team that in the past month has fell from sixth in the Eastern Conference to 11th.

Certainly, there is plenty of time for a turnaround. Atlanta opened play Tuesday night just four points behind eighth-place Montreal for the final playoff spot. But a lack of special teams, a troubling habit of falling behind early and a defense that’s giving up way too many shots have combined for a snowball effect.

The last time out, Washington hung a snowman on Atlanta (that’s eight goals), handing the Thrashers their worst loss of the season in an 8-1 drubbling at Philips Arena.

As for Kovalchuk? He leads the team in goals (25) and points (47), and stands tied for third in assists. But the team and Kovalchuk remain in disagreement on the amount the All-Star should be paid. It’s possible he will be traded before the NHL trade deadline in early March, but the Thrashers hold out hope they can reach an agreement before then.

A few wins wouldn’t hurt, either.

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Tuesday, January 12, 2010 at 6:23 pm by bud

Tags: Atlanta Thrashers, Ilya Kovalchuk, Montreal Canadians, National Hockey League, Philips Arena, Washington Capitals