Slava Kozlov scored with 2 minutes 41 seconds remaining in overtime, giving the host Atlanta Thrashers a 3-2 victory over San Jose on Wednesday night and only the second three-game winning streak in franchise history.
Kozlov’s third goal of the season was set up by Dany Heatley, who circled behind the net and almost back to the blue line before flipping a pass in front. Kozlov’s quick backhander was stopped by Evgeni Nabokov, but the rebound came right back to the Atlanta player, who snapped a wrist shot into the net.
Atlanta is 4-1-1 in its last six games after starting the season with nine straight losses.
“I think we have this thing turned around now,” said Pasi Nurminen, who made 22 saves.
Earlier Wednesday, defenseman Brad Stuart ended his 15-game holdout with San Jose, signing a three-year contract worth about $5 million. He might play in the Sharks’ game Friday at Tampa Bay.
Sabres waive Woolley
Defenseman Jason Woolley, blamed for the Buffalo Sabres’ ineffective power play, was placed on waivers. The 12-year veteran, scheduled to make $1,425,000 this season, had 48 hours to be claimed by any team before being required to report to Buffalo’s minor-league affiliate in Rochester.
Red Wings lose Fischer
Detroit defenseman Jiri Fischer will miss four to six months after tearing his anterior cruciate knee ligament Tuesday vs. Nashville.
RESULTS, WEDNESDAY’S SYNOPSIS
Dallas 6 at Washington 1
Bill Guerin scored twice. Mike Modano moved within two points of becoming 5th U.S.-born player with 1,000 points.
San Jose 2 at Atlanta 3
Sharks’ Owen Nolan forced OT with 2:40 left in regulation. It was Thrashers’ 1st win against San Jose in 5 meetings.
Florida 1 at Philadelphia 1
Kristian Huselius had a goal and Jani Hurme stopped 29 shots as Panthers ran their unbeaten streak to three (1-0-2).
