Mikael Samuelsson leads Red Wings to 4-1 victory over Thrashers

ATLANTA - Mikael Samuelsson scored two power-play goals and had an assist to lead the Detroit Red Wings to a 4-1 pre-season victory over the Atlanta Thrashers on Wednesday night.

Henrik Zetterberg, who led the Red Wings (3-1-2) with 43 goals last season, had a goal and two assists for the defending Stanley Cup champions. Johan Franzen added an empty-net goal with 1:10 remaining.

Erik Christensen scored for Atlanta (1-3-0), tying the game at 1 midway through the first period. Samuelsson's second goal, 8:10 into the second period, gave the Red Wings the lead for good.

Detroit's Chris Osgood made 25 saves, while Kari Lehtonen stopped 29.

Nicklas Lidstrom played wearing a face shield after being struck by a puck last week and had two assists for the Red Wings. The six-time Norris Trophy winner broke his nose and needed stitches over his right eye.

"It will take time to get used to wearing a shield, but I will eventually," Lidstrom said. "I haven't worn one since I was a rookie. I plan to keep it on all season."

Both of Samuelsson's goals came within 20 seconds of Atlanta being called for a penalty.

"It is always good to get time on the power play," Samuelsson said. "I was fortunate to get the puck to go in twice."

Christensen missed the first three pre-season games with the Thrashers after hurting a shoulder.

"It felt good," he said. "I'm getting used to the pace again."