Thrashers No Longer in League’s Basement

Get this: The Atlanta Thrashers aren’t the worst team in the NHL anymore.

Slava Kozlov scored with 2:41 remaining in overtime Wednesday night at Atlanta, giving the Thrashers a 3-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks and only the second three-game winning streak in franchise history.

Atlanta is 4-0-1-1 in its last six games after starting the season with nine straight losses. The Thrashers have 10 points, one more than the Buffalo Sabres.

“I think we have this thing turned around now,” said Pasi Nurminen, who made 22 saves and has been in goal for all four of Atlanta’s victories. “It’s been a different team the past few games. The team is working real hard now -- very solid defense, no big mistakes.”

Kozlov’s third goal of the season was set up by Andy Sutton, 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 Kozlov, who snapped a wrist shot into the net.

“Andy made it happen,” Kozlov said. “He beat three guys. They just followed him and I was in front of the net.”

Owen Nolan forced overtime by scoring for San Jose with only 2:40 left in regulation.

Dallas 6, Washington 1 -- Bill Guerin ended a seven-game goal drought with two second-period goals for the Stars at Washington.

Scott Young, Pierre Turgeon, Brenden Morrow and Jere Lehtinen also scored for Dallas, which has won four of five. The six goals marked a season high for the Stars.

Star center Mike Modano had two assists and is one point shy of becoming the 64th player in NHL history and fifth U.S.-born player to reach 1,000 points in his career.

Kip Miller scored for Washington, which was bidding for a season-high fourth consecutive victory.

Philadelphia 1, Florida 1 -- Kristian Huselius had a goal and Jani Hurme stopped 29 shots as the Panthers tied the Flyers at Philadelphia.

The Flyers are winless in their last three games, yet are off to a 9-3-3 start under new Coach Ken Hitchcock.