Miettinen Channels Mario to Beat Thrashers

As a youngster, he idolized Pittsburgh Penguins hall of famer Mario Lemieux. On Tuesday night in Atlanta, he played like him.

Antti Miettinen, one of the Minnesota Wild's newest pieces to its roster, scored two third-period goals to help the Wild beat the Atlanta Thrashers 4-2 at Phillips Arena. Forwards Andrew Brunette and Marian Gaborik also scored for the Wild (2-0-0).

"My parents were a big influence on me and my career," Miettinen has said. "I also had a lot of really good coaches that helped along the way. I idolized Mario Lemieux when I was younger, as well as Teemu Selanne."

The 28-year-old Finnish winger scored on a breakaway early in the third period, then iced the victory when he put the puck in the net with 2:40 remaining.

"He's a good player. He is always at the right spot," praised Wild coach Jacques Lemaire following the game.

The Thrashers (1-1-1) netted goals from alternate captain Ilya Kovalchuk and fellow forward Bryan Little.

Miettinen was a seventh-round pick by the Dallas Stars in the 2000 NHL Draft. He signed with the Wild in the offseason for three years/$7 million.

On tap: The Wild enjoy a day off before facing the Florida Panthers (1-1-0) on Thursday night in Sunrise, Fla.