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Thrashers-Capitals Preview

Feb 5, 2010 - 5:35 AM By NICOLINO DIBENEDETTO STATS Writer

Atlanta (24-23-8) at Washington (38-12-6), 7:00 p.m. EDT

Ilya Kovalchuk's scoring ability was perhaps the only reason to ever watch the Atlanta Thrashers. They'll now see what life is like without their all-time leading scorer starting Friday night in a matchup against the league's best club.

Less than 24 hours after trading Kovalchuk, the Thrashers will visit the red-hot Washington Capitals, who are looking to extend their franchise-record winning streak to 13 games.

The Thrashers (24-23-8) on Thursday dealt Kovalchuk to New Jersey for defenseman Johnny Oduya, right wing Niclas Bergfors, prospect Patrice Cormier and a first-round draft pick this year. Atlanta also sent former New Jersey defenseman Anssi Salmela back to the Devils, and the teams swapped second-round draft picks.

The blockbuster deal was made hours after Thrashers general manager Don Waddell said the franchise would aggressively explore all its options once Kovalchuk rejected a 12-year, $101 million extension.

Kovalchuk, who can become a free agent after the season, was drafted first overall by Atlanta in 2001, and holds team records for goals (328), assists (287), points (615), power-play goals (115) and game-winners (40). He helped the Thrashers reach the playoffs only once, managing a goal and an assist as they were swept in the opening round by the New York Rangers in 2007.

A three-time member of the Russian Olympic team, Kovalchuk led the Thrashers with 31 goals and 58 points at the time of the trade.

"He's been the face of our franchise," Waddell said. "We tried everything we can. We offered him over $100 million and a long-term contract. He said he wanted to be 'a Thrasher for life.' We tried to make that happen, so unfortunately through the process we couldn't reach a deal.

"It's disappointing, but we have to turn the page. Ilya was a great captain for our team. We thank him for everything he's done for us."

Oduya and Bergfors will likely be making their Atlanta debuts in this contest.

Oduya has two goals and two assists in 40 games, and is set to play for Sweden in Olympics. Bergfors, a 22-year-old Swede, is fifth among rookies with 27 points.

Cormier, 19, is suspended for the rest of the season after hitting an opposing player with an elbow while playing in juniors.

Atlanta will try to avoid losing its third straight game after falling 2-1 to Tampa Bay on Tuesday. The Thrashers are tied with Boston for 11th in the Eastern Conference, but are only three points out of the final playoff spot.

Washington (39-12-6), meanwhile, looks to become the first NHL team to win 13 straight since the Devils did it from Feb. 26-March 23, 2001.

The Capitals have won the last five meetings with Atlanta, including all three this season on the road. They rolled to an 8-1 victory on Jan. 9 as Mike Knuble and Alexander Semin each scored twice.

Washington also has won four straight over their Southeast Division rival at the Verizon Center.

"It's still another game to win," Knuble said of this matchup with the new-look Thrashers. "They might be a little bit out of sorts with a big deal happening."

The Capitals, who own the most points in the NHL, have outscored the opposition 57-27 since losing on Jan. 12 at Tampa Bay. They got a goal and four assists from Nicklas Backstrom in a 6-5 win over the Rangers on Thursday.

"We're pretty confident. There is a good atmosphere in the locker room," said captain Alex Ovechkin, who has 11 goals and 13 assists in his last 12 games. "This team is playing good right now and we feel good about ourselves. If I don't play well, a different guy steps up. We play for each other."

Ovechkin leads the NHL with 80 points, and has 38 goals to tie San Jose's Patrick Marleau for the league-high. The two-time reigning Hart Trophy winner has 25 goals and 53 points in 33 games against Atlanta for his highest output against any club.