Kovalev Contributes in Return to Rangers

High-scoring forward Alexei Kovalev provided a goal in his first game back with the New York Rangers. But it was defense and solid goaltending that allowed them to end a seven-game winless streak.

Kovalev’s empty-net goal with 10.8 seconds left sealed a 3-1 victory over the Florida Panthers Wednesday night at Sunrise, Fla., and gave Glen Sather his first victory since he took over as coach Jan. 30, when he fired Bryan Trottier.

“It was definitely nice to get that goal,” said Kovalev, acquired from Pittsburgh in an eight-player trade Monday. “It’s a great feeling, with the team on a winless streak to jump in and win the game and be a big part of it.”

But the real star Wednesday was goalie Mike Dunham, who returned after sitting out two games because of a groin injury and made 27 saves.

“The second period I thought he made a couple of outstanding saves,” Sather said. “He was good. He hadn’t played in three days. I didn’t want to go too long without playing him.”

Dunham learned he would start Wednesday morning, after it was reported Sather would go with Dan Blackburn for the third consecutive game.

“Things change, things happen,” said Dunham. “It doesn’t really matter who’s playing. We just need wins right now.”

New Jersey 3, Phoenix 0 -- Martin Brodeur had 18 saves at Phoenix for his seventh shutout this season and 62nd of his career.

Brodeur pulled to within four victories of his seventh consecutive 35-win season. No other goalie has had more than three in a row.

The Devils earned their 35th victory, matching Ottawa for most in the league.

Toronto 3, Chicago 1 -- Alyn McCauley, Jyrki Lumme and Tie Domi scored in a 4:55 span early in the first period, and Ed Belfour made 32 saves at Chicago.

The Maple Leafs have won six of seven. Chicago has won only two of its last 12 games.

Columbus 1, San Jose 0 -- Marc Denis stopped 38 shots and rookie Rick Nash scored at Columbus, Ohio, to give the Blue Jackets their first-ever 1-0 victory.

The shutout was Denis’ third this season and seventh of his career. He faced 19 shots in the first two periods and 19 in the third period.

Ottawa 3, Pittsburgh 0 -- Toni Dahlman scored his first NHL goal and Patrick Lalime stopped 20 shots at Pittsburgh for his sixth shutout this season.

Marian Hossa, the league’s second-leading goal scorer, and Chris Neil also scored. The Senators moved to within one point of Dallas for the league’s overall points lead.

Washington 5, Atlanta 1 -- Led by Jaromir Jagr, the Capitals scored their goals in the first period and cruised at Atlanta.

The Capitals had five goals on their first eight shots against Byron Dafoe, who was replaced by Pasi Nurminen at the start of the second period.

Minnesota 2, Philadelphia 0 -- Dwayne Roloson made 31 saves and the host Wild shut out the Flyers for the second consecutive game.

Cliff Ronning and Wes Walz scored for the Wild, which defeated the Flyers, 1-0, Monday behind 30 saves by Manny Fernandez.