Thrash NewsFlash: Update On Kari Lehtonen

First big update on the Thrashers goaltender of the present and future. Atlanta released news today that Kari Lethonen underwent another back surgery just this past Friday. The procedure was to remove edges of bone that were applying pressure to nerve roots in his back at two locations. The surgery was performed by Dr. Paul Maurer at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, N.Y. The locations on the back were different than the location of the surgery he had on July 20 (as told by main media outlets). The team says he'll be on the shelf for another six to eight weeks. They can tell him to take his time, as fill-in starter Ondrej Pavelec has looked fairly good this season, with some flashes of brilliance in a few games, such as the game in Ottawa with 51 saves. NOTE: No update on Ron Hainsey, who missed the last two games. Coach John Anderson says he's "day-to-day," with an undisclosed injury. Hainsey has been solid in the back-end, and they'll need him as soon as he can get back. The ... (link)