Thrashers C Slater scores in return

Mar 4, 2009 - 1:14 AM ATLANTA (Ticker) -- Atlanta Thrashers center Jim Slater returned to lineup for Tuesday's contest against the Florida Panthers after a 16-game absence.

Slater, who had been sidelined since January 20 with a shoulder injury, scored at 6:38 of the first period to give the Thrashers a 2-1 lead.

After collecting the puck in the corner and skating to the front of the net, Chris Thorburn's attempt was stopped, but Slater banged in the rebound for his sixth goal of the season.

The 26-year-old Slater has recorded 15 points in 47 games this campaign.