Thrashers' Chelios Lends Veteran Voice

ATLANTA -- Two contests in and Chris Chelios admits the end could be as few as 15 games away.

"It's pretty amazing," says Chelios from his stall in the Atlanta Thrashers locker room. "I've surprised myself that I've played for this long. I'll know when it's time -- and it's getting there."

This is Chelios' 26th NHL season and this appears to be a rare occasion where he won't make the playoffs. Chelios, 48, has missed the postseason twice -- one more time than the Thrashers have tasted the postseason in franchise history. Atlanta enters Sunday's game against the Phoenix Coyotes on a five-game skid and in 11th place in the Eastern Conference.

"Coming in this late, it's a different ball game than if I was here all year," Chelios said, whose last NHL goal came on March 20, 2008. "There have some big changes, like trading (Ilya) Kovalchuk. But there are a bunch of young guys who are working hard. We can turn it around just as easily."

Chelios has averaged about 13 minutes over the two games since he was recalled Wednesday from the Chicago Wolves, the AHL club where he landed after no NHL team would bite last offseason.

Atlanta coach John Anderson said he doubts there will be any increased minutes in store for Chelios for the rest of the season "unless he shows some type of vitality." Instead, Chelios is here to provide a veteran voice and when you're third on the all-time list in games played (1,646) and have three Stanley Cups to your credit, it doesn't get much more veteran than Chris Chelios.

"You can never have enough experience and leadership this time of year," said Thrashers defenseman Ron Hainsey. "We are going to lean on him down the stretch."

Chelios has seen time on the penalty kill, a mode the Thrashers always seems to be in. He appeared to be more in the flow in Friday's 5-2 loss to the New York Rangers, even if he didn't take any chances offensively like he did in his first game.

"I think since he got burned on a pinch, he was a little nervous about doing it (again)," Anderson said. "I think it's because he takes such pride in himself that he doesn't want to hurt this hockey team. I think sometimes even a 25-year veteran gets caught with some indecision, too."

Chelios also didn't have the misfortune a puck bounding off his leg into his own net as in Thursday's 2-1 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. He's a minus-1 so far and searching for his first NHL point since an assist in April 2008.

"Obviously, it's a different pace (than the AHL)," Chelios said. "I'm just trying to contribute in some way. Right now the best way is to play sound 'D' and kill penalties."

Chelios still rides an exercise bike in the sauna, something he's done for 25 years and he said the love of the game is still there. As to where his drive comes from, he credits his mother and father.

"I guess the work ethic comes from my parents," he said. "I saw how they struggled in the restaurant business. They worked a lot hours, not knowing when to quit. I love playing and as long as I enjoy it and can contribute, I want to keep playing."