NHL: Atlanta 5, Detroit 1

ATLANTA, Nov. 24 (UPI) -- Ondrej Pavelec allowed only a first-period, power-play goal Wednesday and Atlanta drove goaltender Jimmy Howard from the game in a 5-1 win over Detroit.

Pavelec made 32 saves and has given up just five goals over his last five starts. Bryan Little had a goal and an assist in helping the Thrashers win their third in a row.

Chris Thorburn and Andrew Ladd scored during the first 12 minutes to put Atlanta in control, Ladd's goal coming shorthanded.

Todd Bertuzzi then produced the only Detroit goal before Anthony Stewart and Little broke the game open for the Thrashers in the second period.

Howard allowed four goals on 30 shots before being replaced by Joey MacDonald.