NHL Roundup : Rangers, Fighting for Playoff Spot, Beat Blackhawks

There is not much doubt that the New York Rangers are a better hockey team than the Chicago Blackhawks.

The Rangers built a big lead and outlasted the Blackhawks, 4-3, Wednesday night at Chicago. The win gave New York a 35-34-9 record to 30-40-9 for Chicago.

But in the strange rules governing the National Hockey League playoffs, the Blackhawks have qualified for postseason play, while the Rangers may not.

Four teams in each division are eligible for the playoffs. With only 69 points, the Blackhawks have clinched third place in the weak Norris Division.

The Rangers have 79 points, but in the tough Patrick Division, they are in a difficult battle with Pittsburgh and New Jersey for the final playoff position.

With Ulf Dahlen scoring his 29th goal and assisting on another, the Rangers built a 4-1 lead in the opening 23 minutes, then held off a desperate Chicago rally.

Troy Murray’s 55-foot blast in the first minute of the final period pulled the Blackhawks to within a goal. But, John Vanbiesbrouck stopped Chicago’s last 15 shots to preserve the victory.

The Rangers lead the Penguins by 2 points and the Devils by 3. The Penguins and Devils have a showdown tonight at Pittsburgh with the loser probably eliminated.

The Rangers have only two games left, while Pittsburgh and New Jersey both have three to play. The Rangers are at Minnesota Friday night and home to Quebec Sunday. The Penguins are at Washington Saturday and home to Hartford Sunday. The Devils host the Islanders Saturday and wind up the regular season Sunday at Chicago.

Edmonton 6, Minnesota 3--Wayne Gretzky scored his 40th goal and had three assists at Edmonton to lead the Oilers.

The North Stars (19-46-13) lead Toronto by one point for the final playoff spot in the Norris Division with two games to play.