Atlanta, GA (My Sportsbook) - The San Jose Sharks try to remain undefeated against the Atlanta Thrashers when they open an eight-game road trip tonight at Philips Arena.

The Sharks took both meetings from the Thrashers a year ago and are 4-0-1 all- time versus Atlanta since the Thrashers joined the league in the 1999-00 campaign.

San Jose enters Wednesday's tilt winless in its last three games (0-2-1), including a 5-4 loss to the New York Rangers on Monday.

The Sharks got goals from Mike Ricci, Teemu Selanne, Marco Sturm and Patrick Marleau, but fell for the second straight game, despite rallying from a 5-2 deficit heading into the third period.

Mikka Kiprusoff turned away just 22 of the 27 shots he faced in the loss. Evgeni Nabokov should be back in net tonight for the Sharks.

Help could also be on the way for San Jose in the form of defenseman Brad Stuart, who is reportedly close to ending his season-long holdout. If Stuart puts his name on a contract this morning as planned, he could join the Sharks in Atlanta in time for tonight's contest.

The Thrashers come into Wednesday's game on a high note and have won two straight and three of their last four to raise their record to 3-9-1-1 on the year, but still reside in the cellar of the Southeast Division.

After defeating the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday, Atlanta came out and handed the Calgary Flames a 2-1 setback on Monday.

Patrik Stefan and Frantisek Kaberle each scored to lead the Thrashers to their first victory on home ice (1-3-0-1)

Pasi Nurminen posted 31 saves to raise his record to earn his third victory in his last five starts. In that span, Nurminen has posted a 3-1-1-0 record with a 2.56 GAA and a .910 save percentage. The Lahti, Finland native has earned a 2.00 GAA and a .926 save percentage in his three victories since Oct. 31.

Atlanta is in the midst of a team-record six-game homestand that will also include visits from Phoenix, Anaheim, Florida and Pittsburgh.