Kovalchuk makes trip to NYC with Thrashers

Atlanta Thrashers captain Ilya Kovalchuk unexpectedly made the trip with his team to New York for Thursday night's game against the Rangers.

Kovalchuk, the Thrashers' captain, was expected to miss 3-5 weeks after breaking a bone in his right foot on Oct. 24. He skated briefly at Wednesday's practice, but then quickly left the ice and didn't return.

But hours after team spokesman Rob Koch said Kovalchuk didn't accompany the team to New York, he said late Wednesday night that a weather delay before the flight changed the plan -- and that Kovalchuk, given more time to consider how he felt, was on the plane and will see if he feels well enough to play against the Rangers.

Kovalchuk presumably will test his foot at the morning skate on Thursday, and perhaps in warm-ups before the game.

He was tied for second in the league with 9 goals when he was struck on the foot by a puck against the San Jose Sharks.

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