Which Russian NHL player helped lead the Atlanta Thrashers to their first playoff appearance?
2006–07 Atlanta Thrashers season:  With NHL superstars Marian Hossa and Ilya Kovalchuk and a healthy goaltender, Kari Lehtonen, the Thrashers clinched the first playoff berth in franchise history following the Toronto Maple Leafs' 7–2 loss to the New York Rangers on April 1. Ilya Kovalchuk: Ilya Valeryevich Kovalchuk (Russian: Илья́ Вале́рьевич Ковальчу́к ; born April 15, 1983) is a Russian professional ice hockey left winger currently playing for SKA Saint Petersburg of the Kontinental Hockey League.
Ilya Kovalchuk