ATLANTA -- Johan Hedberg is, of course, older than he was during his days with the Penguins.

Perhaps a bit wiser.

And certainly, no less passionate about his work.

But above all, he is still "The Moose."

That's how fans at Philips Arena, where the Penguins faced Atlanta last night, have identified him since Hedberg signed with the Thrashers in the offseason, continuing a tradition that began at Mellon Arena after the Penguins acquired him from San Jose in 2001.

Hedberg, a Sharks prospect who had been toiling for the Manitoba Moose of the now-defunct International Hockey League, and defenseman Bobby Dollas were acquired for defenseman Jeff Norton March 12, 2001.

He had an almost immediate impact, and his nickname -- and the foam antlers they inspired -- caught on during the stretch drive and playoffs, when he helped to carry the Penguins to the Eastern Conference final.

His play and personality combined to make him one of the most popular figures in recent franchise history before he was traded to Vancouver for a second-round draft choice in August 2003, and Hedberg acknowledged yesterday that his time with the Penguins remains the high point of his NHL career.

"Playing every day and feeling like you're counted on, it's a fun feeling," he said.

Although three-plus years have passed since he went to Vancouver, Hedberg will appear at Mellon Arena Dec. 27 for the first time since he was traded. In the interim, he has played for the Canucks, Dallas and Atlanta.

He is Kari Lehtonen's backup with the Thrashers, but has gotten decent playing time. Before last night, he was 5-2, with a 2.67 goals-against average and .897 save percentage in 12 appearances.

"I would like to play every game -- otherwise, there would be something wrong -- but I know that's not going to be the case," he said.

"I'm playing more than I did in Dallas, which is good, and it's a better opportunity than I had in Vancouver, too, where I don't really think I got a fair chance."

Hedberg signed a two-year deal with the Thrashers in July, and said that, even though "there have been times when I've kind of been down" during his time in North America, this won't necessarily be his final NHL contract.

"I'm enjoying it a lot," he said. "If these two years go well, I wouldn't mind [continuing to play]."

A big Crosby fan

Bob Hartley has a pretty nice job coaching the Thrashers and, based on their play through the first third of this season, he probably won't be looking for work elsewhere anytime soon.

But, if he decides on a career change, he might want to consider catching on as Sidney Crosby's agent. Or at least his publicist.

For while it's not unusual for opposing coaches and players to praise Crosby, few, if any, have been as effusive as Hartley was while discussing Crosby after the game-day skate. Some excerpts:

"Crosby is a model for any kid playing hockey around the world. He's a great skater, has the vision of a superstar, has the skills. Plus, compared to many young kids, he shows lots of poise. He never quits. Second, third, fourth effort on every play.

"I've never talked to him -- I don't know the kid -- but you look at him, how he's composed and how intense he is. ... I watched him practice last year, and I can't tell you how impressed I was by his habits.

"By far, he's the poster boy of this league. And for many years to come."

Slap shots

Hartley on ex-Thrasher Ronald Petrovicky, now with the Penguins: "He's a reliever. He can come in and pitch a couple of good innings, then you need to sit him out for a couple." ... Shawn McEachern, a member of the Penguins' 1992 Stanley Cup team, was named an assistant coach at Northeastern. ... Coach Michel Therrien, on expectations for the Penguins in 2006-07: "You don't expect to finish 29th, then, [the next season], in the top five. It doesn't work that way. As in life, you learn to walk before you run. Sometimes, you wish to learn to run before walking, but it doesn't happen that way. It's a process."