Thrashers preview

By Chris Vivlamore

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Next for Thrashers

Who: at Sabres

When: 7:30 p.m. today

TV; radio: SPSO; 680

• The Thrashers are in a tailspin, having lost six straight (0-5-1) after Wednesday’s 4-0 loss at the Bruins. Heading into Thursday’s games, the Thrashers remained tied for eighth place in the Eastern Conference with 40 points, but the deadlock now includes three teams – the Rangers, Flyers, Lightning – just a point ahead of the Panthers and Islanders.

• The Thrashers' last win in regulation came on Nov. 30 against the Panthers. They have just four overtime/shootout wins since.

• Goaltender Ondrej Pavelec and defenseman Pavel Kubina were named to the Czech Republic Olympic team Wednesday. Pavelec has allowed three or more goals in his nine starts since shutting out the Red Wings on Nov. 25. He has been pulled from three starts in that span.

• The Thrashers still have three away games left in the month-long span when they play 13 of 17 games on the road. They were 2-8 away from Philips Arena in the month of December.

• The Thrashers continue to be on the wrong end of the shots-on-goal statistics. They have been outshot in 29-of-39 games this season. They are tied for 25th in the NHL in total goals allowed with 123.

• Ilya Kovalchuk had his 10-game point streak snapped Wednesday.

Chris Vivlamore