OT goal gives Thrashers win over Dallas

By Bud L. Ellis

One night after a disappointing loss at Florida, the Atlanta Thrashers kept battling.

In the end, the effort paid off. Rich Peverley scored the game-winning goal 1:16 into overtime Thursday night, the Thrashers rebounding to knock off the Dallas Stars 6-5 in overtime at Philips Arena.

Peverley led the offense with a goal and an assist for Atlanta, which moved into fifth place in the Eastern Conference with the victory

Twenty-four hours after giving up a late third-period goal in losing at Southeast Division rival Florida, the Thrashers took advantage of their few chances in the offensive zone. Outshot 47-25, Atlanta got goals in regulation from Peverley, Max Afinogenov, Nik Antopov, Ilya Kovalchuk and Jim Slater.

The win marks the first time in franchise history the Thrashers have beaten the Stars at Philips Arena.

Faced with an onslaught of shots, Ondrej Pavelec was just good enough to earn his first victory in net since late November. Pavelec allowed the game-tying goal to Loui Eriksson with only 72 seconds left in regulation to force overtime, but turned away plenty of good scoring chances for the Stars.

Atlanta plays host to New Jersey Saturday, then welcomes in Montreal on Monday to wrap up a three-game homestand.

–30—

Saturday, December 19, 2009 at 12:01 am by bud

Tags: Atlanta Thrashers, Dallas Stars, Ilya Kovalchuk, Jim Slater, Max Afinogenov, Montreal Canadians, National Hockey League, New Jersey Devils, Nik Antopov, Ondrej Pavelec, Philips Arena, Rich Peverley