Originally created 01/12/06

Hossa's shootout goal lifts Atlanta



ATLANTA - Marian Hossa scored the only goal in a shootout to lift the Atlanta Thrashers to a 4-3 victory over the Nashville Predators on Wednesday night.

It was Atlanta's first shootout victory in five tries. Nashville fell to 4-2 in the NHL's new tiebreaker.

Thrashers goalie Kari Lehtonen stopped Steve Sullivan, Paul Kariya and Marek Zidlicky in the shootout.

Nashville led 1-0 through two periods but needed two goals in the third period by Yanic Perreault to force overtime.

Atlanta had rallied in the final period behind goals by Slava Kozlov, Ilya Kovalchuk and Marc Savard.

BLUE JACKETS 6, PENGUINS 1

In Columbus, Ohio, Jaroslav Balastik scored twice, Sergei Fedorov and Rick Nash each had a goal and two assists as Columbus sent Pittsburgh to its fourth consecutive loss.

A day after Penguins coach Michel Therrien said his teams' performance was "pathetic" and that half of the team "doesn't care" in a 3-1 home loss to Edmonton, Pittsburgh allowed a goal 10 seconds into the game and spent much of the game throwing punches.

The teams combined for 152 penalty minutes.

FLYERS 5, BLACKHAWKS 2

In Chicago, Mike Knuble scored on a deflection with 8:33 left in the third period, snapping a tie and lifting Philadelphia past Chicago.

At the edge of the crease, Knuble redirected Michal Handzus' shot from the left-wing boards past goalie Craig Anderson.

KICKED OFF THE ISLAND: The New York Islanders fired coach Steve Stirling, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press.

The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the official announcement wasn't scheduled until today.