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Boulton hat trick helps Thrashers take over first place

Dec 19, 2010 - 3:23 AM Atlanta, GA (Sports Network) - Eric Boulton registered his first career hat trick and Ondrej Pavelec made 26 saves, as the Atlanta Thrashers pounded the New Jersey Devils, 7-1, at Philips Arena.

Chris Thorburn had a goal and two assists for the Thrashers, who moved to the top of the Southeast Division standings.

"We're a long way from done," Atlanta head coach Craig Ramsey said of being in first place. "We have a lot to work to do, but I want them to enjoy it. I told them to enjoy this, but we have to fly up north again."

Atlanta is 3-0-2 in its last five games.

Ilya Kovalchuk had the lone goal for New Jersey, which has dropped eight straight on the road. Martin Brodeur was pulled in the second period after allowing four goals on 15 shots. Johan Hedberg finished with four saves in relief.

"Everything went wrong," Kovalchuk said. "I don't know what... it's unacceptable. It's embarrassing. I don't know, that's all I can say."

The Thrashers erupted for three goals in the first period.

Ron Hainsey jumped on a loose puck in the left circle and fired a shot over a prone Brodeur for his first goal of the season at the 10:56 mark.

Boulton drove the net and tapped in a Thorburn pass behind Brodeur at 15:30. Evander Kane lit the lamp 38 seconds later.

Andrew Ladd beat Brodeur high on the glove side with a wrister to make it 4-0 at 6:37 of the middle stanza.

Kovalchuk scored on a power play to put New Jersey on the board with 4:17 remaining in the second period.

Boulton found the back of the net again at 4:07 of the third period, then capitalized on a Hedberg gaffe at 16:54. Thorburn finished the scoring at 18:58.

Game Notes

Anthony Stewart collected two assists for Atlanta...New Jersey defenseman Henrik Tallinder played in the 500th game of his career.