Well, looks like Tom Renney keeps his job at least a little bit longer thanks to a 3-1 win over the league’s worst team in the New York Islanders. It took a lucky goal by Scott Gomez (one that Yann Danis really should’ve had), that broke a long stretch of futility on the power play and put the Rangers ahead for good.
Other highlights included a goal by Nigel Dawes in his first action after sitting the last handful of games, and an empty net goal by Fredrik Sjostrom to seal the deal. Petr Prucha held his own with Sean Bergenheim in what may be the Czech winger’s first NHL fight (sorry fans…I’m too busy to look that up).
The only goal for the Islanders came from defenseman Mark Streit…a blueliner the Rangers could have signed instead of the struggling Wade Redden.
To be honest, it wasn’t a very convincing performance for the Rangers, though they do manage to stay 7 points ahead of Carolina, who’re in 9th spot in the East. They did score on the PP, but their offense continued to struggle to convert. At least it made it two wins in the last ten games.
You wouldn’t know that Sean Avery is not playing in the NHL, what with all the press he’s getting. Avery will play his third AHL game tomorrow night when the Wolf Pack visit Lowell. Avery wasn’t much of a factor (unless you talk to Avery) in the 1-0 loss to Bridgeport last night.
CAR
PIT
PHI