Slava Kozlov's third-period goal gives Atlanta Thrashers 3-2 victory over Edmonton Oilers

By TOM SALADINO , Associated Press

Last update: November 15, 2009 - 4:40 PM

ATLANTA - Slava Kozlov broke out of his slump with his first goal of the season and the Atlanta Thrashers beat the Edmonton Oilers 3-2 on Sunday for their fourth consecutive victory.

Kozlov, who had 26 goals last season, put the Thrashers in front again with 8:01 left in the third period, converting a pass from Todd White after going scoreless in the first 16 games.

The Thrashers (10-6-1) won their second straight at home to even their record to 4-4 at Philips Arena. The Oilers lost their third in a row and sixth in seven games.

The Thrashers tied it at 2 on a power-play goal by Maxim Afinogenov with 22 seconds remaining in the second. Afinogenov scored his seventh goal when he took a pass from Rich Peverley at mid-ice, outraced a defender and beat Nikolai Khabibulin from up close. It was Afinogenov's third goal in two games.

The Oilers had taken a 2-1 lead on second-period goals by Shawn Horcoff and Dustin Penner. Horcoff knocked in his third of the season with assists from Steve Staios and Ales Hemsky.

Penner added his team-leading 12th goal with 4:47 left in the period. He converted a nice pass from Andrew Cogliano and easily beat Johan Hedberg from about 10 feet out.

Atlanta's Zach Bogosian opened the scoring with a power-play goal early in the first. It was his eighth goal, tops in the league for defensemen.

NOTES: The Oilers were 0 for 5 on the power play. ... Atlanta C Bryan Little missed his second straight game with a groin strain and D Pavel Kubina was out with lower body soreness. ... The Oilers were without F Fernando Pisani with complications from colitis and D Denis Grebeshkov with a knee injury. ... This was the only meeting this season between the two teams.

Recent Minnesota Wild stories

Seabrook's OT goal beats Sharks 4-3 as Blackhawks win seventh straight home game - November 15, 2009

Seabrook's OT goal beats Sharks 4-3 as Blackhawks win seventh straight home game - Brent Seabrook scored 41 seconds into overtime, lifting the Blackhawks to a 4-3 victory over the San Jose Sharks on Sunday night, Chicago's seventh consecutive home victory. More

Wild's No. 1 fan holding steady despite slow start - November 15, 2009

Wild's No. 1 fan holding steady despite slow start - Owner Craig Leipold was tormented by his team's early struggles but is fully behind his new GM, Chuck Fletcher, and coach, Todd Richards. Summary. More