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Canadiens look for first goal in three contests vs. Thrashers

Jan 18, 2007 - 3:50 PM Montreal (25-17-5) at Atlanta (26-14-8) 7:00 pm EST

ATLANTA (Ticker) -- The All-Star break can't come soon enough for the struggling Montreal Canadiens.

After consecutive shutout losses, the Canadiens try to post just their third victory in nine games and snap a three-game skid Thursday when they visit the Atlanta Thrashers.

Montreal has failed to score on 53 shots in consecutive defeats to the Detroit Red Wings and the Vancouver Canucks. The Canadiens have been blanked three times in their last six outings.

Coach Guy Carboneau gave his team the day off Wednesday after Tuesday's 4-0 defeat to the Canucks, which gave the Canadiens back-to-back shutout defeats for the first time since October 27-28, 2003.

Atlanta has won its last two contests after a five-game losing streak and has a five-point lead over the defending-champion Carolina Hurricanes in the Southeast Division.

The Thrashers are coming off Tuesday's 6-2 victory over the Los Angeles Kings. All-Star Marian Hossa recorded his second hat trick of the season and raised his goal total to 29 to rank among the league leaders.

Montreal has won both encounters against Atlanta this season, including a 4-2 triumph on January 9. Michael Ryder netted a pair of tallies for the Canadiens.