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Lehtonen looks to continue successful return vs. Devils

Dec 2, 2007 - 2:25 PM Atlanta (12-13-0) at New Jersey (13-10-2) 5:00 pm EST

NEWARK, New Jersey (Ticker) -- Kari Lehtonen could not have had a much better comeback.

Lehtonen will try to build off his first shutout of the season when the Atlanta Thrashers visit the New Jersey Devils on Sunday.

Lehtonen returned to the lineup and stopped 33 shots for his eighth career shutout as the Thrashers cruised to a 4-0 victory over the New York Islanders on Saturday.

Lehtonen, who had been on a conditioning assignment with Chicago of the American Hockey League, was recalled earlier Saturday after missing 16 games with a groin injury.

The native of Finland began the season as the Thrashers' No. 1 goaltender, but was 0-4-0 with a 4.49 goals-against average before being hurt. It's was the 24-year-old Lehtonen's first shutout since November 30, 2006 against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Devils have won a season-high six consecutive games behind the play of goaltender Martin Brodeur, who posted his 94th career shutout in Friday's 4-0 win over the Montreal Canadiens.

Brodeur is now tied with George Hainsworth for second on the all-time shutout list and is just nine shy of Terry Sawchuk's record. The three-time Vezina Trophy winner as been in goal for each game during the winning streak, which started with his 500th career victory.