NHL ROUNDUP : Messier Is New York’s Newest Star

It didn’t take New York long to warm up to Mark Messier.

Messier, who helped lead Edmonton to five Stanley Cups, was acquired by the Rangers from the Oilers on Friday. He celebrated his first home game at Madison Square Garden Monday night by setting up both Ranger goals, including Mike Gartner’s game-winner 31 seconds into overtime of a 2-1 victory over the Boston Bruins.

Messier’s first home appearance as a Ranger was greeted by thunderous applause from the crowd of 17,542 as he took the ice with stick held high in pregame ceremonies honoring New York’s former team captains. The crowd cheered again when he was introduced as the Rangers’ new captain.

Since his arrival, the Rangers have won two 2-1 decisions, both in overtime, with Messier assisting on three of the four goals.

Messier set up Gartner in the slot with a cross-ice pass from the right boards. Gartner snapped the puck past Matt DelGuidice, spoiling the rookie’s first NHL start.

DelGuidice, whose only previous NHL action was 10 scoreless minutes in relief against Montreal last Jan. 31, made 38 saves as the Rangers outshot Boston, 40-23.

Toronto 3, St. Louis 0--Newly acquired Grant Fuhr made 33 saves for the 10th shutout of his career in the Maple Leafs’ victory over the Blues at Toronto.

The victory, Toronto’s second in three games this season, boosted the Maple Leafs into first place in the Norris Division. Last season, they had to play 13 games before winning their second, on Oct. 30.

St. Louis, outscored 10-2 in losing its first two games, outshot Toronto 33-17 but couldn’t beat Fuhr. He turned aside 16 shots in the second period alone.