Translated from La Presse

For the first time in his career Saku Koivu will start the game with Andrei Kostisyn on the left wing and Matt D’Agostini will start the game on the right wing for a second game in a row.

“I’m with two shooters. The key will be to give them the puck in strategic places. But above all else we’ll need to play well without the puck. This will create our chances offensively” said the captain. As for Guy Carbonneau, he said he wasn’t influenced by Andrei Kostitsyn goal prepared by Saku Koivu against the Sabres: “I liked Andrei’s attitude in our last game. Not particularly because of his goal, it’s the overall game. And it’s a guy who likes to shoot and we want him to shoot more.”

Perrin want out of Atlanta

“It’s frustrating. I’m on the fourth line. I didn’t expect that role. They signed new players but nothing changed. I know I can produce. My agent spoke with Don Waddell, the GM.” But the coach John Anderson said he was happy with Perrins’ work who plays 14:24 minutes per game. “I’m not dissatisfied. He kills penalties and plays a defensive role on that line.

Québec and the LNH

If it was only for Ilya Kovalchuk, Québec would be back in the NHL. Kovalchuk was able to appreciate Quebec in the last World Championships last spring. He scored the winning goal for Russia against Canada in the last game. “The fans were fantastic. They recognized players in the street and the ambience was good for hockey. Quebec should have an NHL team. Also this win was a highlight in my career. After our win we were greeted by 50 000 fans at the Kremlin.

Kovalchuk doesn’t want to leave Atlanta

Would the Thrashers superstar like to be, like Marian Hossa, with a Stanley Cup Contender? “It’s frustrating to lose. And it would be easy to ask for a trade. I hope the Thrashers will be able to improve but you have to know that every player in the NHL has some talent. Often it’s more about working hard than talent that will make the difference. I still have two years to go to my contract and I hope to stay in Atlanta. If the team decide otherwise I’ll adapt. It’s a business.”