Richter, Rangers Starting to Click

Goaltender Mike Richter is back in form and the New York Rangers are back on track.

Richter, shaping up after a sluggish start, turned in his second successive sparkling performance to lead the New York Rangers to a 2-1 victory over the St. Louis Blues Friday night at New York.

“Mike played exceptionally well,” Ranger center Wayne Gretzky said. “When he’s on his game, he’s as good as any goaltender in hockey. He’s been a big part of our three wins.”

Richter, the winning goalie in Wednesday night’s 8-1 victory over Pittsburgh, stopped 36 shots to help the Rangers win their third straight after an 0-3-2 start.

“I was trying to concentrate on being in position,” Richter said.

Richter, the most valuable player in the World Cup of Hockey tournament, started the season poorly, giving up nine goals in two games.

Philadelphia 3, Phoenix 1--Scott Daniels scored his first two goals of the season and Shjon Podein added an empty-netter with 2.9 seconds remaining as the Flyers won at Phoenix.

It was the second consecutive road victory for the Flyers, who were playing their eighth game in a row without all-star center Eric Lindros (pulled groin muscle).

New Jersey 2, Ottawa 2--Dave Andreychuk scored the tying goal late in the second period as the Devils overcame a 2-0 deficit at East Rutherford, N.J.

Buffalo 4, Washington 1--Dominik Hasek stopped 31 shots and Michal Grosek scored the go-ahead goal with 14:58 left as the Sabres beat the Capitals at Landover, Md.