NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Dan Ellis stopped 20 shots for his first career shutout, helping the Nashville Predators snap a six-game losing streak and beat the Atlanta Thrashers 3-0 Thursday night.

Jordin Tootoo and Jerred Smithson scored for Nashville, which was one more loss from tying a franchise record.

It was Ellis’ second NHL start, and first this season after Chris Mason got the first eight for Nashville. Ellis was playing his fourth game with the Predators.

David Legwand fired a slap shot from above the left circle that slipped through the legs of Atlanta goaltender Johan Hedberg. The puck was still in the crease as Smithson skated in and shot it into the net before Hedberg could turn around at 12:51 of the first period.

At the 5:40 mark of the second, Kevin Klein scooted in and out of traffic down the slot drawing Hedbergs attention, then passed to his left where Tootoo fired a one-timer into the wide side of the net.

Scott Nichol scored an empty-net goal with 31 seconds left to play.

The Predators outshot Atlanta 16-5 in the first period and 34-20 for the game.

Notes: Smithsons goal ended a two-game scoreless streak for the Predators. … This was the Predators’ first game against an Eastern Conference team this season. … Mason has never played against Atlanta in a regular-season game. … Atlanta played the third of seven straight road games.

AP-ES-10-25-07 2236EDT