NHL: Atlanta 4, Washington 2

ATLANTA, March 12 (UPI) -- Kari Lehtonen stopped 31 shots Monday as the Atlanta Thrashers posted a 4-2 victory over the Washington Capitals.

Bobby Holik, Keith Tkachuk, Kovalchuk, and Slava Kozlov had goals and Eric Boulton had two assists for the Thrashers, who have won five out of their last six games.

Atlanta moved two points ahead of Tampa Bay for first place in the Southeast Division, with 84 points, in its bid for it's first playoff appearance in franchise history.

Alexander Ovechkin scored both Washington goals as the Capitals suffered their eighth straight defeat.

Brent Johnson allowed three goals on 15 shots, and left after straining himself while trying to stop Tkachuk's goal late in the second period.