Rangers' Streak Ends with 3-1 Loss to Winnipeg Jets

The New York Rangers had their recent run of modest successes brought to a halt as they fell 3-1 to the Winnipeg Jets. In related news, the Devils drew even with the Rangers at 99 points for the top spot in the Atlantic Division and the National Hockey League.

Key Takeaways:

• The Rangers were unable to capitalize on their scoring chances, with goalie Tim Cheveldae making 33 saves on 34 shots, including several grade-A chances by Mark Messier, Brian Leetch, Stephane Matteau, Steve Larmer, and Aleksei Kovalev.
• Kovalev was the Rangers' best player on the ice, but was forced to leave the game in the second period after taking a slash to the wrist from Dave Manson, which drew a five-minute slashing penalty and a game misconduct.
• Ranger Coach Mike Keenan claimed that Manson should be suspended and would send a videotape to the league office to support his claim.
• The Jets' Keith Tkachuk, Dallas Drake, and Nelson Emerson scored the game's other three goals, with Tkachuk and Drake both scoring power-play goals.
• The Rangers' Glenn Healy made his first start in over two weeks and faced 18 shots, but was unable to prevent the loss.
• The loss marked the end of the Rangers' four-game tour of Western Canada, which had seen them win two and lose one.

Statistics:

• Tim Cheveldae made 33 saves on 34 shots.
• Aleksei Kovalev scored the Rangers' only goal, his 17th of the season.
• Keith Tkachuk scored two goals for the Jets.
• Dallas Drake scored a short-handed goal for the Jets.
• Nelson Emerson scored for the Jets.
• Dave Manson entered the game with 148 penalty minutes.
• Glenn Healy faced 18 shots in a rare start, his 16th of the season in 76 games.

Sources:

• The New York Times, December [no date given]
• Reuters, no date given