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Vokoun returns as Panthers aim for fourth straight win

Mar 8, 2008 - 1:13 PM Atlanta (30-32-7) at Florida (31-31-8) 7:00 pm EST

SUNRISE, Florida (Ticker) - Tomas Vokoun is an All-Star. If the Florida Panthers are to make the postseason, they need him to start playing like it.

Vokoun will be in net looking for his first win in three weeks when the Panthers host their Southeast Division rival Atlanta Thrashers on Saturday.

Florida has climbed back into the playoff picture with three straight wins behind Vokoun's backup Craig Anderson.

He shutout the New York Islanders on Sunday and then blanked Boston on Tuesday. Anderson followed that up by stopping 25 shots in a 5-2 win over Pittsburgh on Thursday.

Thanks to the hot play of Anderson, Florida is currently six points behind Philadelphia (34-26-8) for the final playoff spot in the East.

Now Vokoun, who posted a 3.76 goals-average during a 1-4-2 stretch from February 16-29, will resume the goaltending duties.

Coach Jacques Martin hopes that Vokoun, who has not won since February 15, can keep up the positive momentum and help the Panthers match their longest winning streak of the season.

"We know he's our number one," Martin said. "I think he had a real good season - a good stretch - then kind of dropped off lately. But I think it's a good opportunity to bring him back."

On Friday the Thrashers notched their first win since February 15 - the same date as Vokoun's last victory. Erik Christensen scored the lone goal in shootout as Atlanta snapped an eight-game skid with a 3-2 win over Minnesota.