A messy third period almost cost the Thrashers. Thankfully, the Ottawa Senators were 0-4-2 in overtimes against Atlanta before tonight. Chris Neil potted a wrister past Ondrej Pavelec at 5:48 into the 3rd period to bring the Senators within one. Jason Spezza just under two minutes later was hooked by Zach Bogosian on a break away and was awarded a penalty shot. Ondrej Pavelec, who is atrocious on one-on-one situations such as penalty shots and shootouts, allowed Spezza’s goal easily.
The Thrashers were unable to convert in regulation, but just a little over a minute into overtime Bryan Little snapped one past Brian Elliot from the circles to give Atlanta the win. The defeat of the Senators in OT finally gave the Thrashers enough points (36) to leapfrog the idle Tampa Bay Lightning into second place in the Southeast. They’re now only two points behind the Washington Capitals with a game on hand against them.
Tonight’s win also moves the Thrashers up to 5th place in the Eastern Conference. Going in to tonight’s game, the Thrashers were in 8th. Please don’t miss your next chance to see the Thrashers on Wednesday night as the Thrashers venture to Tampa Bay to make sure that not only do they stay in second place, but that they work their way into first.