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Flyers look to continue success against Thrashers

Jan 8, 2008 - 2:31 PM Philadelphia (20-15-4) at Atlanta (21-21-1) 7:00 pm EST

ATLANTA (Ticker) - The Atlanta Thrashers have had no problems getting to the .500 mark this season. The problem has been improving on it.

Atlanta faces Philadelphia on Tuesday looking to climb over the .500 mark for the fourth time this season. The Thrashers, who started the season 0-6, have not been more than one game over .500.

Atlanta got to the .500 mark for the ninth time on Sunday with a 5-2 home victory over Buffalo, the Sabres' sixth consecutive defeat.

"Definitely, it was a huge win," said Thrashers' right wing Marian Hossa. "Every win is huge right now. ... We have a good chance to be over .500 and be a playoff team again."

The Flyers defeated Atlanta, 4-0, in the only previous meeting this season. Philadelphia has won seven consecutive games against the Thrashers. Atlanta's last victory in the series came November 18, 2005.

The Flyers have won four of their last five games, including a 3-2 victory at Toronto on Saturday. Antero Niittymaki made 54 saves for Philadelphia, which was without defenseman Jason Smith (bruised calf), left wing Scottie Upshall (ankle) and center Simon Gagne (concussion). Gagne hasn't played since November 7.