‘Kovalchuk scored on the power play to give the Thrashers a 1-0 lead over the Sabres in the first period. Buffalo was called for a too many men on the ice minor that led to the extra man chance for Atlanta. Nik Antropov and Rich Peverley assisted on the goal. Four minutes later Kovalchuk slammed home his second goal of the game to up the Atlanta lead to 2-0. The even strength goal was assisted by Antropov and Bryan Little. Atlanta outshot Buffalo 16 to 13 in the opening period.’