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Struggling Hurricanes host surprising Thrashers

Oct 13, 2006 - 1:14 PM Carolina (0-3-1) at Atlanta (3-0-1) 7:30 pm EDT

ATLANTA (Ticker) - Few would have thought that the defending Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes would be winless after four games.

The Hurricanes search for their first victory Friday against the Atlanta Thrashers, who have yet to lose in regulation.

Since opening the season with an overtime loss to the Buffalo Sabres on October 4, the Hurricanes have been pounded in their last three losses, getting outscored by a combined 15-5.

Carolina's latest defeat was a 6-3 decision to the Florida Panthers on Wednesday. Scott Walker led the Hurricanes with a goal and an assist but John Grahame stopped only 25-of-31 shots.

Atlanta, which has won three straight games by a combined 11-1 since a 3-2 shootout loss to Tampa Bay to begin the season, is coming off a 4-1 victory over the Boston Bruins on Wednesday.

Goaltender Kari Lehtonen set a franchise record by extending his shutout streak to 167 minutes, 56 seconds before finally surrendering a goal early in the second period. Marian Hossa led the Atlanta attack with a goal and an assist while Scott Mellanby, Glen Metropolit and Jon Sim scored the other Thrashers goals.