Thrashers need shootout to beat Pens
Associated Press
12/21/2006 10:49:28 PM
ATLANTA (AP) - Slava Kozlov doesn't mind shootouts. He just wishes Atlanta coach Bob Hartley would use one of his teammates first.
"I feel pretty good in the shootout," Kozlov said. "It's tough to go first, for I like to see how the goalie plays you."
Kozlov and Marian Hossa scored in a shootout for the second straight game to give the Atlanta Thrashers a 4-3 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday night.
Sidney Crosby, the NHL's leading scorer, forced overtime with 15.3 seconds remaining with a tap-in from the near right side. In the shootout, Atlanta goaltender Kari Lehtonen first stopped Erik Christensen before holding off Crosby's attempt to beat him on the stick side.
The loss was an appropriate end to a difficult day for the Penguins that began with owner Mario Lemieux's announcement that the franchise will attempt to relocate after an arena deal fell through.
"I think Pittsburgh is a great hockey town," Penguins goaltender Jocelyn Thibault said. "It'd be a shame for this team to leave."
Crosby, the franchise cornerstone, extended his scoring streak to 10 games with his 17th goal. The second-year star, a No. 1 overall draft pick, has seven goals and 15 assists during the streak.
"It's good we came back," said Crosby, whose team has followed a four-game winning streak with three consecutive losses. "We've been struggling. Even though we lost in the shootout, we showed lots of character."
Ilya Kovalchuk had a goal and two assists for Atlanta, which has won two straight after a five-game losing skid.
Kovalchuk's 19th goal, his ninth on the power play, came at the 6:32 mark of the second period to give the Thrashers a 2-0 lead.
Kozlov's 12th goal, which gave the Thrashers a 3-1 lead 18:03 into the second period, came 1:27 after rookie Jordan Staal scored his NHL-leading fifth shorthanded goal for the Penguins.
"The third goal was a tough one for us to give up," Penguins coach Michel Therrien said. "At those times, you just need to regroup."
In the shootout, Kozlov scored on wrister that sailed over Thibault's left shoulder. The 15-year veteran to 5-for-6 this season and 10-for-13 in his career.
"I try to do something different every time," Kozlov said. "So far, it has worked."
FULL STORY
12/21/2006 10:49:28 PM
ATLANTA (AP) - Slava Kozlov doesn't mind shootouts. He just wishes Atlanta coach Bob Hartley would use one of his teammates first.
"I feel pretty good in the shootout," Kozlov said. "It's tough to go first, for I like to see how the goalie plays you."
Kozlov and Marian Hossa scored in a shootout for the second straight game to give the Atlanta Thrashers a 4-3 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday night.
Sidney Crosby, the NHL's leading scorer, forced overtime with 15.3 seconds remaining with a tap-in from the near right side. In the shootout, Atlanta goaltender Kari Lehtonen first stopped Erik Christensen before holding off Crosby's attempt to beat him on the stick side.
The loss was an appropriate end to a difficult day for the Penguins that began with owner Mario Lemieux's announcement that the franchise will attempt to relocate after an arena deal fell through.
"I think Pittsburgh is a great hockey town," Penguins goaltender Jocelyn Thibault said. "It'd be a shame for this team to leave."
Crosby, the franchise cornerstone, extended his scoring streak to 10 games with his 17th goal. The second-year star, a No. 1 overall draft pick, has seven goals and 15 assists during the streak.
"It's good we came back," said Crosby, whose team has followed a four-game winning streak with three consecutive losses. "We've been struggling. Even though we lost in the shootout, we showed lots of character."
Ilya Kovalchuk had a goal and two assists for Atlanta, which has won two straight after a five-game losing skid.
Kovalchuk's 19th goal, his ninth on the power play, came at the 6:32 mark of the second period to give the Thrashers a 2-0 lead.
Kozlov's 12th goal, which gave the Thrashers a 3-1 lead 18:03 into the second period, came 1:27 after rookie Jordan Staal scored his NHL-leading fifth shorthanded goal for the Penguins.
"The third goal was a tough one for us to give up," Penguins coach Michel Therrien said. "At those times, you just need to regroup."
In the shootout, Kozlov scored on wrister that sailed over Thibault's left shoulder. The 15-year veteran to 5-for-6 this season and 10-for-13 in his career.
"I try to do something different every time," Kozlov said. "So far, it has worked."
FULL STORY
1 - 1 of 1 Posts
1 - 1 of 1 Posts
- This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Hockey Fan Forums
A forum community dedicated to Competitive Hockey players and enthusiasts. Fan Discussion of NHL Hockey, College Hockey, the Olympics, Major Juniors, the NHL Draft Forum and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Recommended Communities
