• PERRIN EXTENDS RECORD: Eric Perrin's assist during Tampa Bay's power play on Tuesday extended his franchise record for short-handed assists to six, and the forward is now second in the league with six short-handed points.

He's been a big part of the Thrashers' turnaround on the penalty kill, which is no longer last in the league. In fact, there are now three teams in the league below the Thrashers as they continue to move up the list.

Entering Thursday's game, the PK had killed 36 of its past 39 opposing power plays.

"I think in general, we're doing such a great job of being aggressive, not giving them any time to think or make a pass," Perrin said.

• FUN FOR WHITE: Before games against Ottawa, you'll find Todd White chatting it up with members of the Senators and their media contingent. He spent four seasons with the Sens, and the Ontario native still trains there in the offseason.

"They kept a core group of guys there that I played with," White said. "And I have friends in the media. I try not to make many enemies in the media."

But, since leaving, White said he'd never beaten Ottawa. Thursday night was his last opportunity this season to get one against his former team.

"I feel better about our chances tonight," he said before the game.

• ANOTHER LEHTONEN: Last season, Kari Lehtonen took his game to another level when his parents visited from Finland. His brother Kimmo is now visiting with a friend. They arrived on the 13th.

So does the goalie play as well in front of his brother as he does other family members?

"It's been better than last year; I think I went 0-5 when he was here for three weeks," Lehtonen said. "Now, I guess I'm 1-1. Hopefully I can make it a winning record."

— Craig Custance