Todd White did not practice with the team on Friday morning at the Ice Forum. Instead the team has recalled Joey Crabb from Chicago. In 16 games with the Wolves, Crabb has five goals and five assists for 10 points. Head coach John Anderson said this morning that, according to Wolves head coach Don Granato and general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff, Crabb has been their best player as of late.
As a result, Eric Perrin moves to the top line and Crabb takes his spot on the right side of the fourth line. The newest Thrasher will wear #42. Anderson did not, however, rule out White's insertion into the lineup on Saturday against Columbus (7pm, Sportsouth, 680 The Fan), saying it would be a game day decision regarding his availability. Stay tuned.
Here's how it looked earlier today:
Kovalchuk-Williams-Perrin
Kozlov-Christensen-Little
Armstrong-Reasoner-Thorburn
Boulton-Slater-Crabb
Enstrom-Havelid
Exelby-Hainsey
Oystrick-Schneider
Other nuggets:
***In talking with Anderson, he was happy about Kovalchuk's response to the hit administered by Pittsburgh's Kris Letang on Todd White and thought it was great to see teammates helping each other out. He also made a great point in how tough it must have been for Kovalchuk to send a message to Letang without taking a penalty in a 2-2 hockey game. He added that he wants to see other players step up and initiate physical play, especially on home ice (see: Slater, Boulton, Thorburn). This was addressed in a team meeting earlier today.
***When Asked about the penalty killing units, Anderson was pleased with their performance until the end of the game when Sykora got the game-winner with the Pens on the power play. Look for the team to continue it's initiatives of cutting away the middle of the ice in the defensive zone.
***Slava Kozlov had some interesting thoughts regarding his line and their success this season. He said the line has had success because they all think the game the same way. He also said that to have success in the NHL these days, lines need to rely on give and go plays instead of those that try to pit players in one on one situations, which is becoming tougher by the game. He said it's critical to be able to move the puck with speed if you are going to be successful.
***The team placed goaltender Kari Lehtonen on injured reserve Friday, retroactive to October 31st.
That's the latest. See you at the game.
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5 comments:
Who is the starting goalie NOW???
Who is the starter NOW?
man Letang wrecked the shit out of White
I was holding my breath that Kovalchuk would not draw a penalty.
"In talking with Anderson, he was happy about Kovalchuk's response to the hit administered by Pittsburgh's Kris Letang on Todd White and thought it was great to see teammates helping each other out. He also made a great point in how tough it must have been for Kovalchuk to send a message to Letang without taking a penalty in a 2-2 hockey game. He added that he wants to see other players step up and initiate physical play, especially on home ice (see: Slater, Boulton, Thorburn). This was addressed in a team meeting earlier today."
How can JA expect Slater, Boults and Thorburn to step it up physically when he doesn't put them back out there after the hit?
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