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Zhitnik scores in OT as Thrashers top Rangers

Mar 17, 2007 - 5:06 AM ATLANTA (Ticker) -- It took defenseman Alexei Zhitnik nine games to make a significant contribution for his new team.

Zhitnik scored the game-winner in overtime and Marian Hossa added his 41st goal of the season to lead the Atlanta Thrashers to a 2-1 triumph over the New York Rangers.

Acquired from the Philadelphia Flyers on February 24, Zhitnik netted his first tally in nine games since the trade to give the Thrashers their seventh win in nine contests.

Atlanta (38-25-10) topped the Rangers for the third time in four meetings this season and has a four-point lead over the Tampa Bay Lightning (39-29-4) in the Southeast Division race.

"We have nine games to go and nine games to get better and get as many wins as we can to secure a playoff spot," Atlanta goaltender Johan Hedberg said. "We want to be hungry, but the first step is to get there."

After New York center Matt Cullen was whistled for holding in overtime, Zhitnik ended the contest at the 2:18 mark with a one-timer of Vyacheslav Kozlov's feed past goaltender Henrik Lundqvist.

"Sometimes you have great games and don't get a point, and sometimes you get an average game and you get one or two points," Zhitnik said. "Right now, we're squeezing the sticks too tight. We've had two goals the last two games. The power plays have to get better."

"We knew that not only were we acquiring a prime defenseman, but also a player with international experience in the Olympics, World Cup and Stanley Cup finals, and you can't buy that," Thrashers coach Bob Hartley said. "We definitely upgraded our blue line when we acquired (Zhitnik)."

Hossa tied the game at 2:51 of the second period and Hedberg made 38 saves for the Thrashers.

"I felt pretty calm from the beginning of the game, and when we play a defensive effort like we did tonight, it really helps a goaltender out," Hedberg said.

Sean Avery opened the scoring with 53 seconds left in the first period and Lundqvist stopped 20 shots for the Rangers (34-28-9), who moved within one point of the Carolina Hurricanes (35-29-8) for the final Eastern Conference playoff spot.

"That's a game we still win," Lundqvist said. "It's still a good point, but we had our chance go get two. ... I have to stay sharp and not allow any mistakes. Hopefully, our power play can step up and get some goals."

"We have to stay the course," Rangers coach Tom Renney said. "One thing we do not want to do is get frustrated. Bottom line is that we have to keep working hard and start getting two points instead of one."