Florida Panthers center Olli Jokinen has a unique perspective with which to measure Thrashers goalie Kari Lehtonen. As a result, Jokinen isn't afraid to make some lofty pronouncements.
Jokinen, the Panthers' top scorer the past two seasons, was traded to the New York Islanders for the 1999-2000 season and has played alongside current Florida goalie Roberto Luongo since.
Luongo was named an All-Star this season and is regarded as a strong candidate for the Hart (MVP) and Vezina (top goaltender) trophies as one of the game's two top goalies along with New Jersey's Martin Brodeur.
So how does 20-year-old Lehtonen, with whom Jokinen roomed two years ago with the Finnish team at the World Championships, stack up?
"I look back when Louie came in the league his first year," Jokinen said. "I've got to be honest, this kid is better than Luongo was when Luongo came in the league.
"This guy, he will be the guy I'd build a franchise around. They've got [Dany] Heatley and [Ilya] Kovalchuk already, but this guy is going to win a lot of games for this team. I think he's capable of playing in this league already."
Lehtonen said he appreciates the compliment but also wouldn't mind if so much attention weren't being paid to him.
Wishful thinking. After winning his debut on Friday, 3-2 over Florida, Lehtonen will start again tonight against Washington, his final home appearance of the season. Thrashers coach Bob Hartley, who normally doesn't reveal his goaltending schedule beyond the next game, has said Lehtonen and Pasi Nurminen will split the final six games.
Lehtonen also will play Saturday at Florida and the final game of the season at Tampa Bay. Hartley said he thought Lehtonen was "very poised."
"The Kari we saw in practice was the Kari we saw in the game," Hartley said. "He's moving tremendously well."
Lehtonen said he felt nervous -- although less so than in his AHL debut earlier this season -- but said that is common for him. He didn't like the second goal he allowed but still was pleased.