League-best Rangers dampen Panthers' playoff hopes

League-best Rangers dampen Panthers' playoff hopes

NEW YORK (Reuter): The New York Rangers moved closer to winning their second President's Trophy in three years by dampening the Florida Panthers' playoff hopes with a 3-2 victory.

Sergei Nemchinov and Steve Larmer scored in a 2:23 span early in the third period to break a tie and give the Rangers their fourth straight win.

New York added to its league-best total and now has 107 points and a six-point lead over the New Jersey Devils with four games to play.

The Rangers last won the President's Trophy in the 1991-92 season under coach Roger Neilson, who is now the coach of the Panthers.

New York, which matched the franchise record of 50 wins, is 6- 1 in its last seven games.

The Panthers, 0-3-1 in their last four games, remain three points ahead of both Philadelphia and the New York Islanders for the final Eastern Conference berth.

Jeff Beukeboom scored for the Rangers, while Keith Brown and Scott Mellanby tallied power-play goals for the Panthers.

Mike Richter made 29 saves to extend his team record with his league-leading 40th.

John Vanbiesbrouck made 37 saves for the Panthers, who are coached by ex-New York coach Roger Neilson.

Results Quebec 6, Buffalo 4 NY Rangers 3, Florida 2 Pittsburgh 2, Tampa Bay 1 Philadelphia 2, Winnepeg 2 (OT)