When Evander Kane was drafted last June, Don Waddell was planning on seeing his 4th overall selection playing on the top line one day. Looks like that day has come soon rather than later as coach John Anderson looks to find the right replacement for Ilya Kovalchuk, out while a broken foot bone mends.

At Friday’s practice, according to the AJC’s Chris Vivlamore, Kane and Slava Kozlov switched jerseys and the 18-year old Kane lined up with Nik Antropov and Maxim Afinogenov…Kozlov practice with Marty Reasoner and Colby Armstrong on the third line.

Todd White center Bryan Little and Rich Peverley while Jim Slater did the same with Chris Thorburn and Eric Boulton.

According to Vivlamore’s blog today, Anderson is “Hoping Kane will work there – and he gets more ice time. He’s also hoping it sparks Kozlov”.

I guess we’ll find out tomorrow night if these will be the lines as the Thrashers go to Lonnnnnn-Gisland to play. They’ll turn right around and play again Sunday afternoon at home when the St. Louis Blues come to town.

Given the opposite results from home games and road games this year…I would hope that playing in Thrasherville so soon after a road game will give the feel of it being another road match.

Atlanta is 5-1-1 away from Philips Arena this season…1-4-0 inside of it.

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