Return to New York Success for Messier

Mark Messier again made Madison Square Garden his playground.

Messier, who left the New York Rangers as a free agent three years ago, made a triumphant return to New York, scoring the winning goal Wednesday night in a 3-1 victory over the Montreal Canadiens.

It wasn’t the prettiest of the 184 goals he has scored wearing a Ranger jersey, but it led to the victory he wanted more than anything.

“The best part about the first two games is that we’re 2-0,” said Messier, who moved into sole possession of sixth place on the NHL’s all-time goal list with 628.

Radek Dvorak scored two goals for the Rangers, who won their home opener for the first time since 1995 and improved to 2-0 for the first time in a decade.

Messier’s goal came only 24 seconds into the final period as he carried the puck to the right of Canadien goalie Jeff Hackett. Messier tried to pass out in front, but the puck hit the shin guard of Montreal defenseman Eric Weinrich and ricocheted into the net to make the score 2-0.

Messier, who had an assist in New York’s 2-1 opening-night victory over the Atlanta Thrashers, returned this summer as a free agent, signing a two-year deal. Messier, who led the Rangers to the 1994 Stanley Cup--ending 54 years of frustration--was honored as part of a 30-minute pregame ceremony celebrating the Rangers’ 75th season and their captains.

“I actually was a little bit nervous at the start of the game. I couldn’t believe it,” Messier said. “I’ve played in a lot of big games, a lot of different situations, but for some reason . . .

“I don’t know if I was putting a lot of pressure on myself to play a good game or do too much too early, but I felt better as the game went along.”

Toronto 4, New York Islanders 2--Mats Sundin scored a power-play goal late in the third period, and Glenn Healy stopped a penalty shot with only 34 seconds to play at Toronto.

After New York’s Roman Hamrlik was penalized for cross-checking, Toronto scored when Petr Svoboda centered a pass to Sundin, who shot it past goalie John Vanbiesbrouck with 5:45 to play.

Healy, playing his first game of the season, was given a deliberate delay-of-game penalty after he knocked the net from its moorings. Brad Isbister took the penalty shot, but Healy blocked the winger’s backhanded shot with his right pad.

Philadelphia 3, Minnesota 3--Eric Desjardins scored midway through the third period to lift the Flyers to a tie at St. Paul, Minn., in the expansion Wild’s first regular-season home game.

The Wild took a 3-2 lead on Wes Walz’s short-handed goal at 9:12 of the third period, but Desjardins tied the score at 10:37.

Edmonton 4, Detroit 3--Bill Guerin scored two goals and Doug Weight had two assists to lead the Oilers at Detroit.

Tommy Salo stopped 33 shots for the Oilers, who also beat the Red Wings on Friday. Chris Osgood made 21 saves for Detroit, which was 0 for 4 on the power play.

Washington 3, Atlanta 3--Jeff Halpern scored off a rebound with 2:23 to play in the third period, lifting the Capitals to a tie at Atlanta.