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Thrashers aim to push win streak to three against Red Wings

Nov 24, 2010 - 4:17 PM (Sports Network) - The Atlanta Thrashers will aim for their first three-game winning streak of the season when they welcome the Western Conference-leading Detroit Red Wings for tonight's clash at Philips Arena.

The Thrashers have recorded wins over Washington and the New York Islanders to post their third two-game winning streak of the year. Atlanta last claimed victories in three straight during a four-game stretch from March 16-21 of last season.

Atlanta is 2-1-0 so far on a six-game homestand, losing the opener to Florida before defeating the Capitals and Islanders. Atlanta is 5-5-1 overall as the home team this season.

The most recent triumph came in dramatic fashion Sunday against New York as Dustin Byfuglien scored 90 seconds into overtime to give the Thrashers a 2-1 victory. In the extra session, Byfuglien received a pass from Tobias Enstrom in the high slot, glided to the mid slot and snapped a wrister past Rick DiPietro for the win.

Nik Antropov scored the other goal while Ondrej Pavelec stopped 28 shots for the Thrashers.

"It feels good to get two more points. Pavelec kept us in it all night. He's been there the last few games," Byfuglien said.

Pavelec is expected to get the start again tonight. His only appearance against the Red Wings came last season and was a success, as Pavelec made 40 saves to record a shutout in Detroit on Nov. 25.

Thrashers forward Bryan Little is questionable for tonight after suffering an undisclosed injury on Sunday. Fellow winger Fredrik Modin has missed the last four games with an upper-body injury and is not expected to play tonight.

Detroit went 5-0-1 during a six-game homestand that ended Sunday against Calgary. The Red Wings' last two games on the residency were decided in overtime, with the club losing Friday's 4-3 decision against Minnesota before edging Calgary, 5-4, on Sunday.

Nicklas Lidstrom's goal 1:38 into overtime lifted Detroit to the win over the Flames. Lidstrom also had two assists and Henrik Zetterberg scored two third- period goals, including the equalizer.

Pavel Datsyuk had two assists and a goal, Johan Franzen lit the lamp once and Jimmy Howard made 23 saves for the victors.

Red Wings forward Dan Cleary left the game with an upper-body injury and is questionable for tonight's tilt.

Detroit, which is playing two straight and five of its next six on the road, is 4-2-0 away from the Motor City this season.

The Red Wings lost a 2-0 decision against Pavelec and the visiting Thrashers when the clubs met for the only time last season. Detroit has still won nine of the 12 all-time meetings against the Thrashers and four of the five encounters in Atlanta.