NHL Four-cast: Atlanta Thrashers

1 - Why is this team worth watching? Two words: Ilya Kovalchuk. He has been completely screwed being stuck in Atlanta - the most exciting player in the NHL not named Ovechkin, Kovy doesn't get the respect or adoration that he deserves. I am a proud member of the Kovy Army, you should be too. Btw - that KA logo comes from this, 2:40 or so in, one of the more awesome things I have seen in a while; hockey needs rivalries.

2 - Are they better or worse than last year? Marginally better but that isn't saying much. They added Ron Hainsey to be the defenseman Alexei Zhitnik wasn't and took the gamble that Jason Williams can stay healthy. Williams working with Kovy and Slava Kozlov on the power play could be magic. Marty Reasoner is the kind of veteran presence that every team needs and will do well with the kids - Bryan Little, Angelo Esposito and top pick Zach Bogosian (if he makes the club).

3 - Who should YOU draft in fantasy? Kovalchuk is the only certainty. Hainsey may be ok for a few points from the blueline but I would go with Tobias Enstrom over him - 26 of his 38 rookie points came on the power play. Colby Armstrong had 11 points in 18 games and was only -2 in that span since the Pens ditched him so a full season under his belt may be quite beneficial. Mark Recchi is a decent pick for some tertiary scoring as long as you don't care about plus/minus. Williams might be good for a late round pick but don't be upset when he gets hurt. I would avoid Kari Lehtonen like the plague - trust me, I've been there and had him again and again after he makes a great start but for every great one there are two bad and two missed because of injury.

4 - Who will try to kill Garnet Exelby first? XLB is a dirty player and has made no friends around the league. Colton Orr still wants a piece, as does former Ranger Ryan Hollweg. He has also attacked Blake Comeau and Tyler Arnason in the past. The guy has no class and no regard for safety - neither his own nor that of others. He goes flying towards the boards and has nearly knocked himself out missing hits. Moron.