NHL Roundup : Flyers Gain Playoffs on Rangers Tie

The New York Rangers didn’t do a whole lot toward winning a playoff berth for themselves Friday night at Winnipeg, Canada, but they did clinch one for the Philadelphia Flyers.

Paul MacLean’s second goal of the game and 40th of the season with less than four minutes left in regulation, enabled the Jets to tie the Rangers, 6-6.

While the tie gave the Rangers 80 points and a two-point lead over New Jersey, it clinched a spot for the Flyers and could prove costly to the Rangers.

The Rangers could beat Quebec in their finale Sunday night and still not qualify for the fourth spot in the Patrick Division. If New Jersey beats the Islanders today and Chicago Sunday, the Devils make it to the playoffs because they will have more victories than the Rangers and the same number of points.

The Devils are 5-0-1 in their last six games, but at Uniondale, N.Y. they will be meeting an even hotter team. The Islanders, winners of six in a row, can clinch the Patrick with a victory.

Pittsburgh isn’t out of it yet. But for them to win, Quebec would have to beat the Rangers and the Devils would have to split while the Penguins, who have 77 points, three behind the Rangers, were beating Washington and Hartford.

The Rangers battled back from a 3-0 first period deficit and pulled even in the second period. They twice took the lead in the last period, the second time on Brian Mullen’s 25th goal halfway through the period.

On a power play, MacLean, standing by the net, knocked in a rebound to tie it. Both teams had two fruitless shots in overtime.

Vancouver 6, Minnesota 1--It could well be that the North Stars’ tie with Chicago last Monday is going to be decisive in the battle for the final playoff spot in the Norris Division.

With a chance to sew up the berth, the North Stars couldn’t even make it interesting at Vancouver. It figures they don’t have much chance in the finale Sunday at Calgary, the team with the best record.

Detroit 7, Toronto 3--Shawn Burr scored two goals at Detroit as the Red Wings extended hapless Toronto’s losing streak to eight games.

Despite their futility, the Maple Leafs (20-49-10), could make the playoffs. If they beat Detroit tonight at Toronto and Calgary beats Minnesota Sunday night, the Maple Leafs will qualify for Stanley Cup play.

Edmonton 5, St. Louis 2--Wayne Gretzky assisted on three goals, and Craig Simpson scored his 55th as the Stanley Cup champions warmed up for defense of their title in this game at Edmonton.