Kovy is a Cheatin', Schemin' Russian and Afinogenov is a Big Puck Tease

Ilya Kovalchuk once again proved to the NHL world why he is one of the best in the universe by stealing the show on Broadway with a dazzling 1 goal, 2 assist performance in the most historic building in all of sports. Not to be outdone, young gun Evander Kane got his team off and rolling with a spectacular net-drive and adroit feed to the crashing Colby Armstrong who jammed home the first goal of the game just 19 seconds into the game. Kovy took it from there and sparked his already motivated mates to victory in an exciting game of breath-taking saves and high-octane back and forth hockey.

After the game, the Thrashers captain was spotted wearing his newest fashion statement, the walking boot, most likely for precautionary reasons. Asked how he felt by the Associated Press, Kovalchuck had this to say: “They told me I couldn’t hurt it any worse, so I decided to go. It’s part of the game: You get hurt, you’re wearing those weird shoes." Well, Thrashers fans would have to agree that Kovy's stellar play last night is proof of the old adage: 'if the [skate] fits, wear it!' And wear it he did!

Despite the long absence, Kovy and his Russian linemates did not miss a beat. In fact, the line seemed more in sync than ever last night showcasing its play-making skill with several flamboyant tape to tape passes and captivating speed. “Our line was clicking real well,” said Kovalchuk. “We all speak Russian, so it’s kind of cheating because they can’t understand what we’re saying.” Perhaps it is only fair that the Russian Roulette line failed to capitalize on some of the grade-A chances they created with their fancy wheelin' and dealin' considering they were resorting to "cheating" to do so!!

We here in Blueland can only hope this chemistry continues. But if the Comrade Connection line is truly to be feared, the ultimate "puck tease", Maxim Afinogenov (or is it "Afinogetnone"?) needs to stop performing like the human version of a Wagnerian Opera -- one that most often fails to deliver any kind of satisfactory payoff!! Luckily for Thrashers fans there is a man by the name of "Ten Gallon Dick" Peverley who never fails to deliver the goods as he continues to shoot-up the bad guys with his unique brand of gun-wielding wizardry! With another three points on the evening, the "Pevs Dispenser" has now dispensed points at a clip of at least one per game for 55 games as the Deputy Chief of Blueland!