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Ondrej Pavelec will get his first start since the collapse tonight

Ondrej Pavelec

FILE - This Sept. 21, 2010, file photo shows Atlanta Thrashers goalie Ondrej Pavelec reacting after the Columbus Blue Jackets scored a goal during the first period of a preseason NHL hockey game, in Atlanta. Pavelec collapsed to the ice in the early minutes of the season-opening game against the Washington Capitals, Friday, Oct. 8, 2010 in Atlanta. There was a whistle at the opposite end of the ice when the 23-year-old Pavelec suddenly fell over backward with no one around. (AP Photo/John Amis, File)

AP

We’ve speculated that Ondrej Pavelec might start for the first time since that scary collapsing incident (and the concussions that resulted from it) this week, but it seems just about official.

Chris Vivlamore reports that he will indeed start instead of Chris Mason tonight.

Mason won his last two starts, including Friday’s game against the Buffalo Sabres, but back-to-backs make it even more sensible for Pavelec to make his return.

Pavelec played 42 games for Atlanta last season, going 14-18-7 with a 3.29 GAA and a 90.6 save percentage. The team is expecting big things, as he still has plenty of room to improve at 23 years old.