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Thrashers' Kovalchuk scores game-winner in shootout

Sep 26, 2007 - 2:12 AM By Phil Foley PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

ATLANTA (Ticker) -- Ilya Kovalchuk scored two goals, including the game-winner, as the Atlanta Thrashers posted a 3-2 shootout victory over the Nashville Predators on Tuesday.

The third shooter, Kovalchuk lifted a wrist shot over the left shoulder of goalie Chris Mason into the corner of the net and Johan Hedberg stopped Vernon Fiddler to preserve the win.

Alexei Zhitnek gave Atlanta a 2-1 lead as he stuffed in a cross-ice pass from Marian Hossa to tally his first goal of the preseason at 10:48 of the second period.

Nashville's Jed Ortmetyer answered by scoring on a rebound with 2:03 remaining in the second to tie the game.

The Predators took an early lead as right winger J.P Dumont intercepted Hedberg's clearing pass behind the net and put a backhander into the open net to give the Predators a 1-0 lead at 13:58 of the first period.

It was the first preseason goal for Dumont, who also added an assist.

Atlanta tied the contest at 19:52 of the first period when Kovalchuk beat Mason with a wrister from the left faceoff circle with a man advantage.

The Thrashers could not capitalize on a two-man advantage when Dumont and Shea Weber drew penalties 15 seconds apart about five minutes through the final period.

Nashville was not much better, failing to capitalize on all eight power-play opportunities.

Mason stopped 14 of 16 shots and Dan Ellis stopped 11 shots in the first two periods for the Predators. Meanwhile, Hedberg saved 28 of 30 shots.

Newly minted Nashville captain Jason Arnott, who led the club with 27 goals last season, did not dress.

Atlanta goalie Kari Lehtonen, who is battling a groin injury, did not dress for the Thrashers. The 23-year old Finland-native is expected to make his preseason-debut on Wednesday night against the Florida Panthers.

Lehtonen and left wing Brad Larsen are the only two Thrashers' regulars not to skate this preseason.

Slava Kozlov tallied an assist in his preseason debut for the Thrashers, who lost, 5-3, to the Predators last Thursday.