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Hossa scores twice, Lehtonen strong in goal

Mar 4, 2007 - 11:36 PM ATLANTA (Ticker) -- Marian Hossa has carried the Atlanta Thrashers back to the top of the Southeast Division.

Hossa scored twice and Kari Lehtonen made 35 saves as the Thrashers posted a 3-1 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes.

After enduring a miserable stretch in which they lost six of seven games, the Thrashers have rebounded to win three straight contests to tie Tampa Bay atop the division.

"Everyone played well tonight. Great discipline," Thrashers coach Bob Hartley said. "It was a big game for us. With a game in hand on them, we know we were leaving with either one point ahead or five. It's still not a big separation, but it's a big win for us."

Hossa has been the hottest player for the Thrashers, who made a pair of big trades leading up to Tuesday's trade deadline. The veteran right wing has five goals and seven assists in a seven-game points streak.

Hossa opened the scoring at 9:59 of the first period by beating goaltender John Grahame on a breakaway. His wrister from the slot at 9:57 of the final session was his 38th goal of the season and gave the Thrashers the final margin.

"These are two big points," Hossa said. "We have to find a way to win. We have four lines to rotate. Everyone takes 45 seconds and changes. We all have fresh legs when we are on the ice. That makes a big difference."

On Hossa's second tally, Bobby Holik picked up an assist for his 700th career point.

Lehtonen stopped all 24 shots he faced over the final two periods in improving to 28-19-8 on the season.

"Kari was outstanding today," Hartley said. "He controlled all his rebounds. He put on a clinic. It's great to see that because he is a big part of this team and our success. He brings a lot of confidence to the team."

Ilya Kovalchuk snapped a 1-1 tie at 14:35 of the second period with a power-play goal, his 34th tally of the season.

Rod Brind'Amour scored with 18 seconds left in the first period for Carolina, which is one point in front of Montreal for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

"It was a huge game, huge two points, especially against a division rival," said Grahame, who finished with 22 saves. "We are chasing them, it was the biggest game of the year. We are chasing a division and we have to have our eyes on the prize. We have to win games and get points."

Carolina went 0-for-4 on the power play.

"We had lots of looks and lots of chances," Hurricanes coach Peter Laviolette said. "The opportunities were there, but all that doesn't mean anything. The only thing that matters at the end of the night is the scoreboard."