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Thrashers turn to Hedberg looking for split

Apr 14, 2007 - 1:42 PM NY Rangers at Atlanta 3:00 pm EDT Eastern Conference quarterfinals, Rangers lead, 1-0

ATLANTA (Ticker) -- Atlanta Thrashers coach Bob Hartley apparently was not impressed with Kari Lehtonen's playoff debut.

The Thrashers will turn to veteran netminder Johan Hedberg when they host the New York Rangers in Game Two of their Eastern Conference quarterfinal matchup Saturday.

According to a report on the Atlanta Journal Constitution's website on Friday, Hartley has elected to start Hedberg in goal for Game Two against the New York Rangers on Saturday.

Drafted second overall in 2002, Lehtonen appeared in his first career postseason game Thursday, when Atlanta dropped a 4-3 decision. The 23-year-old Finn made 34 saves but allowed all four goals, something that did not sit well with Hartley.

"I'm disappointed. Of course I would like to play," Lehtonen told the Journal Constitution. "On the other hand, I just need to stay ready. I'm sure I'll be in net if we go far."

Hedberg, 33, is no stranger to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. After appearing in just nine regular-season games with Pittsburgh in 2000-01, the Swede helped lead the Penguins to the Eastern Conference finals by going 9-9 with a 2.30 goals-against average in 18 postseason contests.

"It's a playoff series," Hedberg told the website. "This is when the fun begins. We need to win this game, it's a big game for us. Everybody has to be prepared for it."

In the playoffs for the first time since joining the league in 1999-2000, the Thrashers are looking to avoid a 2-0 deficit before the series shifts to New York for Game Three on Tuesday.