Richter Bails Out Rangers

Mike Richter, playing with a touch of flu, made 35 saves in relief of his rookie backup and the New York Rangers rallied from a three-goal deficit to defeat the New York Islanders, 5-4, Tuesday night at Uniondale, N.Y.

Theo Fleury scored the winner at 8:02 of the third period, stealing the puck from defenseman Marko Kiprusoff and racing nearly the length of the rink for his second goal of the game.

Richter’s backup, Dan Blackburn, 18, had his worst game, giving up four goals in just over five minutes as the Islanders built a 4-1 lead midway through the first period.

The Rangers also got goals from Mikael Samuelsson, Manny Malhotra and Steve McKenna to end a nine-game winless streak.

Michael Peca, Brad Isbister, Dick Tarnstrom and Adrian Aucoin scored for the Islanders.

Ottawa 1, Philadelphia 1--Martin Havlat scored a fluke unassisted goal at 7:12 of the third period to give Ottawa a tie at Philadelphia, ending the Flyers’ seven-game home winning streak.

Havlat’s shot trickled off goaltender Roman Cechmanek, but Flyer defenseman Kim Johnnson tipped the puck back into the net in a clearing attempt.

Jeremy Roenick scored for the Flyers.

Patrick Lalime made 42 saves for Ottawa. Cechmanek had 33 saves.

Washington 3, Atlanta 0--Olaf Kolzig made 27 saves at Atlanta for his 25th career shutout, and second this season against the Thrashers.

Ulf Dahlen, Jaromir Jagr and Brendan Witt scored.

Atlanta outshot the Capitals, 27-23.

Toronto 6, Calgary 1--Alexander Mogilny scored twice and had an assist at Calgary, Canada, and the Maple Leafs ended a five-game winless streak.

Jonas Hoglund, Bryan McCabe, Darcy Tucker and Robert Reichel also scored for Toronto, which moved within one point of the idle Boston Bruins for the Northeast Division lead.

Toronto’s Curtis Joseph made 28 saves.