Associated Press
The NHL notebook …
ATLANTA ó Todd White scored in the shootout after Ilya Kovalchuk rallied the Atlanta Thrashers from a three-goal deficit to a 5-4 victory over the New York Rangers on Thursday night.
The Thrashers trailed 4-1 midway through the second period, but Kovalchuk had a hand in each of the next three goals.
The Rangers are one point behind sixth-place Pittsburgh in the Eastern Conference playoff race. New York will travel to face the Penguins on Saturday.
Canadiens 3, Lightning 2, OT
MONTREAL ó Saku Koivu scored 3:15 into overtime and Montreal recovered from blowing a two-goal lead in the third period for a win over Tampa Bay.
Koivu put a rebound past Martin St. Louis after the Tampa Bay forward stuck out his left palm to stop Koivu’s first attempt on a wild goal-mouth scramble.
Panthers 4, Flyers 2
PHILADELPHIA ó Brett McLean scored the go-ahead goal early in the third period, backup Craig Anderson made 40 saves, and Florida snapped a three-game losing streak.
Predators 3, Sharks 2
NASHVILLE, Tenn. ó Radek Bonk scored a power-play goal and added an assist and Nashville beat San Jose.
Blue Jackets 5, Flames 0
COLUMBUS, Ohio ó Steve Mason made 16 of his 33 saves in the third period for his franchise record 10th shutout as Columbus beat Calgary in a possible first-round playoff preview.