POST-GAME NOTES: Rangers 2, Atlanta Thrashers 4

AT

The Rangers nearly got back on a winning track on Friday night in Atlanta, but Slava Kozlov's goal with 5:17 to go was the difference in a 4-2 Thrashers win, overshadowing another strong effort by Rangers backup goaltender Stephen Valiquette.

Recap

THREE STARS OF THE GAME
1. V. KOZLOV -- ATL
2. J. SLATER -- ATL
3. J. HEDBERG -- ATL

NOTES

* Chris Drury scored his 200th career goal. He has scored seven goals this season, and four in his last seven games.

* Marcel Hossa scored his first goal of the season and first in 27 regular-season games, dating back to Feb. 27, 2007.

* Defenseman Paul Mara returned to the lineup after missing three straight games because of a sprained shoulder. Marek Malik was scratched to make room for Mara.

* Stephen Valiquette made his third start in goal this season. Henrik Lundqvist had started between the pipes in 26 of the Rangers' first 28 games.