November 28, 2008 Kari Lehtonen received an injection for his wonky back on Friday, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. “There’s a series of things he had to do,” HC John Anderson said. “This is the last one. We’ll find out probably Sunday or Monday if he can skate.”
Our View:Kari was supposed to miss a couple of games, but he has been out of action since October 30th. In the interim the club has leaned on Johan Hedberg and Ondrej Pavelec in net, though neither has established themselves as a better option than Lehtonen.
November 21, 2008 The Atlanta Thrashers placed goaltender Kari Lehtonen on injured reserve on Friday, retroactive to October 31, according to the AP. He has been out of action since a 3-2 loss to the New York Rangers on October 30, first because of illness, and then because of back stiffness.
Our View:The 25-year-old Finland native has appeared in nine games with the Thrashers this season, posting a 2-5-2 record and a 3.44 goals-against average. In 167 career NHL games, Lehtonen has a 77-66-16 record with a 2.85 GAA.
November 14, 2008 Kari Lehtonen remained on the sidelines on Friday due to his injured back, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. "We’re in a good situation because we have two very good alternatives [in Johan Hedberg and Ondrej Pavelec]," according to GM Don Waddell.
Our View:Kari doesn't have a firm return date, and his hold on the starting spot for the organization continues to erode as he remains stuck on the sidelines with an injury. Don't release him just yet, but it's unclear just how much you should expect from him in the short-term.
