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Senators top skidding Thrashers

Mar 4, 2011 - 3:49 AM Atlanta, GA (Sports Network) - Colin Greening scored his first NHL goal in Ottawa's 3-1 victory over the Atlanta Thrashers, who continue to tumble out of playoff contention.

Bobby Butler and Nick Foligno also lit the lamp for the Senators, who have won four of their last six games. Craig Anderson was solid between the pipes, surrendering just one goal on 43 shots.

"Every game is tough in this league," Anderson said. "Every team can win on any given night. You have to bring your best game every night. Obviously (the Thrashers) are fighting for their playoff life. They're just going to play a little desperate."

Dustin Byfuglien scored the lone goal for Atlanta, which has lost its first two games in March after going 2-7-2 in February. Chris Mason gave up all three goals on 27 shots.

"It's very somber in the room," Thrashers head coach Craig Ramsay said. "That was a game we felt we should win."

Greening got his first NHL goal 2:56 into the game to put Ottawa up 1-0.

Brian Lee sent a shot toward the net from the left point and Greening knocked the puck down at the doorstep. He then backhanded the puck into the net off of Byfuglien's skate.

Following a scoreless second period, Ottawa struck just a 60 seconds into the third. Butler's shot from the left circle appeared to catch Mason off guard and it sailed over his sluggish glove hand for a 2-0 game.

The Thrashers got on the board at the 6:46 mark off a quick draw. Tobias Enstrom shuffled the puck to Byfuglien, whose one-timer from the point found the back of the net.

The two-goal lead was restored a little over 4 1/2 minutes later on Foligno's quick wrist shot and the Sens held on for the win.

Game Notes

Both teams had one power play opportunity in the game but couldn't score...Ottawa will host the Rangers on Friday...Atlanta faces Florida at home on Saturday.