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Bogosian, Kovalchuk help Thrashers crush Predators

Jan 18, 2009 - 5:46 AM By Jim Diamond PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

NASHVILLE, Tennessee (Ticker) -- Clearly in rebuilding mode, the Atlanta Thrashers used one of their building blocks to post their first winning streak in over two months.

Rookie defenseman Zach Bogosian and captain Ilya Kovalchuk each scored a goal and set up another as the Thrashers cruised to a 7-2 rout of the Nashville Predators on Saturday.

Jim Slater netted a shorthanded goal, former Predator Rich Peverley collected three assists and Kari Lehtonen made 31 saves for the Thrashers, who have won back-to-back games for the first time since capturing five straight from November 2-14.

Eric Perrin, Colby Armstrong, Bryan Little and blue-liner Mathieu Schneider also tallied for Atlanta, which scored five times in a span of just under 20 minutes bridging the first and second periods.

Jordin Tootoo and All-Star defenseman Shea Weber scored for the Predators, who have lost eight of their last 11 contests.

"To get embarrassed like that in your own building is something that just can't happen," Weber said. "We've been inconsistent, and we have to solve that and be good every night."

One night after allowing three first-period goals before rallying for a 4-3 overtime victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Thrashers produced a dominating four-goal first period in this one.

"They had a big comeback win last night, so I knew they were going to have lots of jump tonight," Nashville coach Barry Trotz said. "They came and played hard and capitalized on their chances."

Perrin scored the game's first goal at 2:07 of the opening period, stealing the puck from Nashville defenseman Ville Koistinen and skating down on a breakaway before ripping a slap shot from the right faceoff circle over the right shoulder of goaltender Dan Ellis.

"Eric had not scored in a while, and you could see his exuberance," Atlanta coach John Anderson said. "That broke the ice and picked the whole team up."

Playing in just his 12th NHL game, Bogosian collected his first career point on Armstrong's goal at 6:48. Peverley won a faceoff back to the 18-year-old, whose shot from the right point was deflected in by Armstrong.

"I just tried to get the shot off as quickly as I could," Bogosian said. "Luckily, (Armstrong) made a tip that kind of stunned the goalie and went in."

Kovalchuk extended the lead to 3-0 at 10:48, converting a breakaway off an outlet pass from Peverley, who has registered a goal and five assists in three games for Atlanta since being claimed off waivers from Nashville on January 10.

"It has only been a week, so it feels a little awkward coming in here to play a game as a visitor," Peverley said. "(Ilya) is a tremendous and dynamic player, and it's great to have a chance to play on a line with him."

Predators coach Barry Trotz then lifted Ellis, who made just one save on four shots, in favor of Pekka Rinne.

"They had two breakaways and a high tip play. It's tough to get a feel for the puck that way," Ellis said. "These are the games that teach you the most about what you have in your room - your character, your flaws. Sometimes you need a little bit of a wake-up call."

But the Finn did not fare much better, as he allowed Little's 21st goal of the season with 76 seconds left in the opening session. Schneider then scored at 2:06 of the second to give the Thrashers a 5-0 bulge.

The third overall pick in last June's draft, Bogosian netted his first career goal at 1:51 of the third period, beating Rinne with a slap shot from the right point.

"It felt good to get my first NHL goal," Bogosian said. "It's a special moment, and I will always remember it."

Slater added a shorthander midway through the session to make it 7-1.