Lightning have been thorn in Thrashers' side

By Chris Vivlamore

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Thrashers entered Saturday’s game in the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. But no doubt, they would be in a better position if not for the Lightning. After opening the season with a win over Tampa Bay, the Thrashers have dropped the past four games (0-2-2), all by one goal. Saturday’s game was key in the race for the playoffs. The Thrashers entered with 66 points, and the Lightning, losers of five consecutive, were three points behind.

Hedberg time: The Thrashers once again turned to Johan Hedberg in goal. Hedberg has started three consecutive games and 10 of the past 13. In his nine previous starts, Hedberg allowed a total of 22 goals for a 2.44 goals-against average.

Artyukhin's return: New Thrasher Evgeny Artyukhin, acquired Monday from Anaheim, returned to Tampa Bay, where he was drafted and spent two seasons (2005-06, 2008-09). In 145 games with the Lightning, Artyukhin had 33 points (10 goals, 23 assists).

Points run: Tampa Bay’s Steven Stamkos entered Saturday with the NHL’s longest active point streak of 15 games. Stamkos, tied with Pittsburgh’s Evgeni Malkin, had 26 points (13 goals, 13 assists) during the run. Steve Downie entered with a nine-game point streak with 12 points (five goals, seven assists).

No change: The Thrashers used the same lineup as Thursday’s win over the Islanders with newly acquired Clarke MacArthur and Artyukhin active. Eric Boulton, Slava Kozlov, Mark Popovic and Todd White were scratched.