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Thrashers look for power surge vs. Red Wings

Oct 24, 2008 - 10:12 AM Atlanta (2-2-2) at Detroit (4-1-1) 7:30 p.m. EDT

DETROIT (Ticker) -- A failure to take advantage of opportunities with the man-advantage has doomed the Atlanta Thrashers of late.

They will likely need improvement from their power play unit when they take on the Detroit Red Wings on Friday.

After taking advantage of 3-of-9 power-play chances in their 7-4 victory over the Washington Capitals to open the season, the Thrashers' special teams has let them down. Atlanta has since gone 0-for-23 on the power play and has allowed a goal while on the penalty kill in four straight games.

The Thrashers were the victim of Tampa Bay's first victory of the season on Tuesday when captain Vincent Lecavalier scored a power-play goal 1:41 into overtime to give the Lightning a 3-2 triumph.

Atlanta goaltender Kari Lehtonen figures to be tested often as Detroit leads the league with 38 shots per game, while the Thrashers rank second to last in shots allowed at 35.2 per contest.

The Red Wings have not had any trouble scoring goals since their 3-2 loss on opening night - especially on the power play. They are seven for their last 17 with the man-advantage and have scored at least three goals in five straight games, resulting in a 4-0-1 mark.

Henrik Zetterberg scored Wednesday after missing two games with a groin injury as Detroit held on for a 4-3 win over the St. Louis Blues to move atop the Central Division. Tomas Holmstrom added his team-leading sixth goal of the season.