NHL: Atlanta 5, N.Y. Islanders 1

UNIONDALE, N.Y., Dec. 6 (UPI) -- Ilya Kovalchuk had a goal and two assists Saturday to lead the Atlanta Thrashers' 5-1 victory against the New York Islanders.

Kovalchuk's ninth goal of the season, at 10:40 of the second period, gave Atlanta what turned out to be an insurmountable 2-1 lead. His assists came on third-period goals by Eric Perrin (power play) and Chris Thorburn.

Bryan Little and Eric Boulton scored a goal apiece, while goalie Johan Hedberg was credited with 28 saves on 29 shots for the Thrashers -- who were just 1-7-1 in their previous nine outings, including five straight losses.

The Thrashers had beaten the Islanders in Atlanta Nov. 6, in the first of four meetings between the clubs.

Bill Guerin's 10th goal this season (power play) gave New York a 1-0 lead just 51 seconds into the first period.

Joey McDonald was beaten five times on 17 shots for the Islanders, who had won three of their previous four home contests.

Both teams scored once with the man-advantage.