ATLANTA — Bryan Little scored in
the fifth round of a shootout to spoil Chad Johnson's first NHL start
and help the Thrashers snap a nine-game losing streak, 2-1 over the New
York Rangers on Thursday night.
The Thrashers avoided their first 10-game skid since their inaugural season 10 years ago.
Johan Hedberg had 29 saves and gave
up only Marian Gaborik's goal in the extended shootout. Hedberg turned
aside Eric Christensen, Ryan Callahan and Ales Kotalik before rookie
defenseman Michael Del Zotto shot wide to end the shootout.
Johnson, subbing for workhorse
starter Henrik Lundqvist, stopped 31 shots. He allowed Jim Slater's
third-period goal that forced overtime. He also gave up a goal to Slava
Kozlov in the shootout.
Enver Lisin had given the Rangers a 1-0 lead in the second.
Johnson, 23, stopped 17 of 20 shots
in his NHL debut in relief of Lundqvist against Philadelphia on Dec.
30. The start against Atlanta was his second appearance.
Johnson earned an assist on Lisin's goal.
Lundqvist made his 17th straight
start on Wednesday at home, when he beat the Dallas Stars 5-2. New York
has recorded a point in 10 of 11 games (7-1-3).
The Thrashers have played 19 games since their last win in regulation, a victory over Florida on Nov. 30.
New York's Sean Avery didn't take
long to find the penalty box. Avery and Atlanta's Tobias Enstrom drew
minors for roughing only 1:57 into the game.
Avery tied a career high with four points on Wednesday in his first game against the Stars, who dumped him last season.
Notes
The Thrashers lost 10
straight from Feb. 25-March 16, 2000. … Thrashers G Kari Lehtonen,
recovering from two back operations, has been pain-free while beginning
individual workouts on the ice, according to general manager Don
Waddell. Waddell said a rehab stint with AHL Chicago hasn't been ruled
out when Lehtonen is ready for competition, perhaps in a few weeks. …
The Thrashers, returning from an 0-5-2 road trip, played their first
home game since Dec. 21. … Lundqvist has allowed two goals or fewer
in 13 of his past 16 games.