NHL: Atlanta 4, Pittsburgh 1

ATLANTA, Jan. 30 (UPI) -- Ilya Kovalchuk scored the game-winning goal before leaving with an injury Wednesday, boosting Atlanta past Pittsburgh 4-1.

Kari Lehtonen made 29 saves as the Thrashers halted a five-game losing streak. Atlanta also got goals from Bobby Holik, Eric Perrin and Jim Slater.

Kovalchuk's goal was his 38th of the season. Late in the second period, he collided with Pittsburgh forward Jarkko Ruutu along the boards in the neutral zone. Ruutu was given a major penalty for kneeing along with a game misconduct.

Kovalchuk came back on the ice for one shift in the third period, but then left the game for good.

Pittsburgh lost for the third time in four games. The Penguins' lone goal came from Ryan Whitney. After giving up four goals on 20 shots, goaltender Ty Conklin was replaced by Dany Sabourin.