Stamkos scores twice, Lightning beat Pavelec, Thrashers 5-1 in final preseason game
By APWednesday, September 30, 2009
Stamkos, Lightning beat Pavelec, Thrashers, 5-1
ATLANTA — Mike Smith stopped 20 shots, Steven Stamkos scored two goals and Tampa Bay finished the preseason with a 5-1 win over Ondrej Pavelec and the Atlanta Thrashers on Sunday.
With Kari Lehtonen still recovering from offseason back surgery, the goalie position remains a big question for Atlanta (2-3-1).
The 22-year-old Pavelec had 21 stops but struggled in his third start of the preseason. Pavelec is competing with veterans Johan Hedberg and Manny Legace for the starting job, at least until Lehtonen is healthy.
Zenon Konopka, Martin St. Louis and Mattias Ohlund also scored for the Lightning (4-1-2).
Chris Thornburn scored Atlanta’s only goal.
The teams will open the season in Atlanta on Saturday.
