When Ilya Kovalchuk was traded to the Devils last year, many thought the Thrashers would get worse with nothing to play for. However, it is the Thrashers who won the short term end of the trade. Kovalchuk has struggled with the Devils, while everyone else involved in the deal has played reasonably well. Now, the Thrashers did change the nucleus of their team by acquiring 5 cup winners from the Blackhawks in Dustin Byfuglien, Brent Sopel, Ben Eager, Akim Aliu, and Andrew Ladd.
Byfuglien is looking like a Norris Trophy candidate with his play on defense and has been a hit in Atlanta. But, a win for the Devils in Atlanta tonight could be huge for their psyche and might be the win to get them on a small streak. Nevertheless, tonight will be Kovalchuk's second return to Atlanta since the trade. Last year he had no shots on goal against the Thrashers, but the Devils shutout Atlanta 3-0. Should be an interesting game tonight and very emotional between two teams heading in opposite directions.
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