"John Anderson said he knows what Slava Kozlov is going through -- because he went through the same thing.

One day after Kozlov blamed the Thrashers coach for the team's failures, Anderson responded to accusations that his coaching staff wasn't prepared and didn't make game adjustments, suggesting the player was speaking more out of frustration because of a reduced role.

"This isn't about me and Kozzy," Anderson said. "This is about a guy who feels bad because his career is coming to an end, maybe not to an end but getting there. It's frustrating and you get angry, and I do understand. I wish him well. I wish everything works out for him."

Anderson's NHL career ended in 1989 when he was waived by the Hartford Whalers, and he wasn't happy about it, either. After a brief stint in Italy, Anderson returned to North America. He was still angry. He accepted a training camp invitation from Bruce Boudreau, who was with the IHL's Fort Wayne and now coaches the Washington Capitals."