You are right on the mark, Falconer. Kovalchuk was not playing like a team leader. This morning, I am watching highlights of the Caps/Habs game, and the difference between Kovalchuk and Ovechkin is staggering if you compare them for the whole season. Ovechkin is getting 12 mill a season, and I think he is overpaid. However, he backs up his pay with his awesome play; he is the leading scorer in the NHL, and he brings enthusiasm night after night. He hits, plays defense, and does whatever is necessary to win.
Kovalchuk, who in years past, has scored more goals by this time, is just lately returning to his superstar like play. NHL named him the third star of the week because he had 5 goals and 1 assist in his previous 2 games before they looked at candidates for the Stars of the Week. They left out the last game which would have given him 7 goals and probably 3-4 assists in the last 3 games. No matter, he is playing great now for the team and that is all that matters. He is playing more on defense and is overall trying to play better, and is.
I agree with you that Havelid should have been named captain, and not Armstrong only because Havelid has been here for a few years, and has consistently played defense with fervor. He ranks 4th in the NHL in blocked shots, and has ranked high in total goals against; from Hockey Numbers, I found he has been 1st in total goals against twice and 6th one time; so, he is a good defensive defenseman. He has been here since the 2005-2006 season.
I really hope Kovalchuk stays with the Thrashers and continues to play well for us. It is great to see, and is making this part of the season more exciting to watch. I think the odds are against us making the playoffs, but if the Thrashers play well, we can finish the season with some dignity. There are enough teams that are slumping now to where we can take advantage. Kovalchuk’s leadership is going to be key, definitely. He has been one of the big differences of late. I would agree that since he was made Captain, he has
been scoring almost a goal per game. When he scores, and contributes, the Thrashers have a better chance of winning. That is obvious! Interesting to see him paired with Little and White now. Sad to see the Little, White, Russian line broken up, but when they are not producing, something has to be done. I thought that the pairing with Peverley was great, but when that line stops producing, Anderson has to shake things up. That is understandable!

Falconer,
What do you think we should do about the goalie and defense situation? Who would you go for? That is what is on my mind right now. Did you read my posting about the goalies? What do you think?

I am not against us trading Kari, but can you really see us sticking with Pavelec and Hedberg as our 1-2? I would still get another goalie, and ship off Moose or just let him go. Again, the list of goalies that I posted a few days ago, I am sure if we offered at least double for what some of them are making, we will come in under what Kari was paid, and be getting a good deal. I mean Conklin is only getting $750K, Weekes- 700K, and Clemmensen is making 500K. I don’t know if we can get Conklin because if I am Detroit, I would resign him as soon as I can. If NJ signs Clemmensen, which I would too, then that leaves Weekes. He is not bad either, and you just know that NJ is going to have to let one of those two go. I still say we get one of these underpaid backups.

St. Louis played Holt last night as Mason faltered. Is he any good too?

Not taking anything away from what you say about van Riemsdyk, I am sure that it would be a great trade, but I still think that we need to get another goalie.

Falconer,
I also agree that we need to bring up Machchek, Holzapfel, Sterling, and Kulda to see what kind of impact they would have. I wish that we could get a look at them now. At least Kulda now that Schneider is gone. Or even bring up one of those forwards to replace Boulton a little. Thorburn can be the enforcer, and Thorburn has scored more but still fights when needed. So does Valabik.