Tami Chappell / Reuters

Atlanta Thrashers left wing Ilya Kovalchuck celebrates his goal against the Washington Capitals in the first period on Thursday.

The Thrashers made it 2-1 less than two minutes later, this time with a similar setup by Patrik Stefan. He spun away from a defender in the corner and spotted Peter Bondra all alone. The ex-Capitals star let go of a slap shot with such force that it appeared to go right through Kolzig, who rolled onto his stomach and got up slowly.

Ovechkin tied it at 2 before the period ended, beating Dunham with a screened shot from the top of the left circle to join the elite 50-100 club.

Washington reclaimed the lead in the second. Ovechkin threaded a perfect cross-ice pass to Dainius Zubrus, who scored his 23rd goal before Dunham had a chance to react. But Kozlov tied it for the Thrashers less than a minute later, then set up Hossa’s game winner.

Atlanta nearly got an insurance goal with three minutes to go. Bobby Holik’s shot went off the inside of the post and stayed out, though the officials stopped play to check the replay.

The Thrashers, who seemed down and out when they lost two straight at the end of March, have given themselves a chance with five wins and an overtime loss in seven games this month.

“You don’t bother with what people on the outside are saying,” Hartley said. “I said we would make a run, and we’re honest people. We’ll work to the last game and see where it takes us. We’ll either go home or go to the playoffs.”

Notes: Savard picked up the 400th point of his career with his first assist. ... Atlanta D Jaroslav Modry went out in the second period with a hamstring strain after falling awkwardly into the boards. ... Holik caught Washington’s Jamie Heward in the face with a high stick in the third period. No penalty was called at first, but the referee sent Holik off for a double-minor when he saw blood dripping all over the ice. Heward didn’t return. ... The Thrashers, who entered the league in 1999, are one of only two franchises that have never made the playoffs. Columbus is the other.

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