I’m thinking that this interview pretty much gave Kozlov his ticket out of Atlanta. He obviously isn’t going to play for the Thrashers anymore, so I can totally see the Thrashers getting rid of him for literally anything that they can.

The English language synopsis actually tones down Kozlov’s criticisms of Anderson. Here’s part of a translation (Google translate) of the interview in Russian:

“To be honest, I do not even listen to what he (Anderson) says. I tried to play here for eight years, but now it is almost impossible. This year “Thrashers” had the best team on the selection of players for all ten years.Best! But I think that the coach is unable to cope with their responsibilities."

Great find, Falconer. It’s amazing how frank Russian players can be when interviewed in their native language.

It’s hard to argue with Kozlov’s logic. He’s played a lot of hockey in a lot of leagues and he’s played for some very good coaches.

Looking at last nights stats, the Atlanta forwards did play fewer minutes than the Florida forwards*. I don’t know how the Atlanta forwards compare to the rest of the NHL TOI, but it would be nice to see some stats put together on this topic. (hint, hint).

*granted, there were quite a few dump penalties which probably contributed to this stat.

you did a number of posts regarding who was being “hidden” and who was taking the tough faceoffs. I’d love to see how that stat has applied this year and why Slava, who had a great year last year (with what is presumably the same system), now has a problem with the system.

Kozlov has underachieved since he signed his deal to stay in Atlanta. His numbers seem to be deceiving (like last years) because he is very inconsistent and disappears for long stretches.

His play has been awful this season. He obviously has no respect for his coach. His quote " Ilya and I tried to explain that it’s necessary to change picture of the game sometimes" says everything. Him and Kovy did not like the way JA coached this team and actually tried to tell him to change to how they wanted it. No wonder this team is doing so much better now that Kovy and Kozlov are no longer in the lineup.

I say good riddance to bad rubbish. Too bad no team even wanted him. My guess is he will be waived and maybe someone will pick him up. Otherwise, enjoy the KHL….

I really hoped they would dump him at the deadline. The only thing Kozlov has contributed in the past 2 years was being a great shootout scorer. I was a huge fan of Kozlov when he played in Detroit, but in 2006 Face Off at Phillips he was a real arse to the fans and especially a kid that was in front of me in line. Hedberg made up for it. Personally I lost respect for him, but his play since the Mellanby, Hossa, Holik, Savard days has dropped off. Anderson is a good coach, I am glad they are giving him time to work his magic and get guys to buy into his system. I know the difference with the Thrashers now are when I watch them, they seem like a team. They actually look like they have fun on the ice, and each win is a celebration. It’s like a blue collar team of 2nd 3rd and 4th line guys trying to make the most of the opportunity given to them. Even Kubina seems to be on the team instead of a hired hand (Kubina rules). I hope they get to the playoffs and make some noise just to spite Kozlov and Kovalchuk. Hey Kozy and Kovy give the KHL my regards next year.

Kozlov as a player is very well suited to a Hartley-like philosophy. Play a disciplined game with veteran players, and try to outwork your opponent in the small areas of the game. Kozlov’s great skill is in slowing the game down and working in space. He’s brilliant at it. But it just doesn’t fit anymore.

Anderson came in and immediately wanted a more aggressive, uptempo, fly-down-the-ice-and-attack-the-net game. He wants youth, exuberence, and wants his players balls-out all the time.

Kozlov, quite frankly, sounds a bit like a grumpy old man wanting the kids to play the game the way they did in his day.

I’m with you on the netminders. Here’s what I expect to hear in June of 2012:

“I think with our first round pick we may have found a long-term solution in goal.”