April 13
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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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"
April 12
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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As he and his teammates gathered for season-ending physicals, Slava Kozlov blamed the Thrashers' failures this season on the coaching staff. Kozlov pointed to a lack of preparation and poor system as reasons that a talented roster missed the playoffs. In particular, Kozlov faulted head coach John Anderson, although he did not mention him by name. "To me, this was the best team in 11 years of the organization," Kozlov said on Sunday. "This franchise had the best players. Right now, they can not blame [Ilya] Kovalchuk or [Slava] Kozlov. They have to take responsibility, because I think ownership did everything right, signed good players, they have a good goalie, good defense -- but something"
April 11
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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I just got back from Thrashers practice facility where players and physicals and exit interviews. I talked to most of the players (missed a few I hope to get tomorrow) so that should keep us going while the NHL is in the playoffs. Slava Kozlov pointed to the coaching staff for the reason the Thrashers failed to make the playoffs. He certainly played his final game, after eight seasons with the franchise, on Saturday night. His parting words were biting. I will let you take what you want from what he said. Here are some of his quotes: * "Every year you guys ask the same question [why did Thrashers miss the playoffs]. To me, this was the best team in 11 years of the organization. This"
April 9
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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When Ilya Kovalchuk returned to Atlanta last week, he didn't mince words about the lack of playing time for fellow Russian Slava Kozlov. Kozlov was a healthy scratch in 26 of 30 games down the stretch. "I don't know what is going on," Kovalchuk said. "I think a guy like Kozzy, they need him real bad right now with his experience. I think the guy has played over 100 playoff games. Some personal reasons don't have to go against the team. Especially now with all those injuries, and he's still not playing. I don't think it's right to treat guys like that. They did it to [Alexei] Zhitnik first, now Kozzy. He's just too professional. You can't say any bad word against him. They just sit him down"
March 22
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Slava Kozlov and Chris Thorburn did not travel with the Thrashers to Philadelphia for Sunday's game against the Flyers. Kozlov was hit in the cheek with a puck during the Thrashers' last practice and remained in Atlanta for a CT scan. Thrashers general manager Don Waddell said the results of the scan were negative. Kozlov had been a healthy scratch in 17 of the previous 21 games. Thorburn is suffering from a lower-back injury. He has missed the past four games, the first with an illness. Upon his return, the forward began experiencing pain in his lower back and was held off the trip as a precaution."
February 27
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Thrashers forward Slava Kozlov has requested a trade due to his lack of playing time and would be willing to waive his no trade clause, he told me on Friday. "I don't know if I'm going to be on this team or another team," Kozlov said. "If we can find a team which I like and which is good for me and my family I will go. If not, I'm going to be here. … With coach not playing me, what can you do? That's why I feel I could go play for somebody that needs my help. Is so, I'll waive my no trade clause." Kozlov's agent met with Thrashers general manager Don Waddell in Chicago before the team's final game before the two-week Olympic break."
January 27
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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After playing in 251 consecutive games, Slava Kozlov has now missed two in a row. The Thrashers' veteran forward was a healthy scratch again Tuesday against Anaheim after his consecutive games streak was snapped Saturday at Tampa Bay. Kozlov has 23 points (eight goals, 15 assists) and is a minus-14 this season. Kozlov said Monday he was disappointed with the move and hoped to return to the lineup soon. Earlier his month, Thrashers coach John Anderson scratched forward Todd White for five consecutive games."
January 24
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Slava Kozlov's franchise record for consecutive games played ended Saturday. It was not a health issue that snapped the Thrashers veteran forward's streak at 251. Kozlov was a healthy scratch against Tampa Bay. "I hate to be the grim reaper," Thrashers coach John Anderson said. "I have to do what I think is best for the team at the time. Nothing is set in stone. Sometimes it helps players; it helps them get a little more motivated. Certainly I don't like to do it, but I have to do what I think is best for the hockey team at that certain time." Kozlov has eight goals and 15 assists this season, off from his pace of 26 goals and 50 assists of last season. Kozlov has a plus-minus rating of"