Emotional Rangers Win for Trottier

Bryan Trottier would’ve enjoyed this New York Ranger victory no matter where it took place.

The former New York Islander great returned to Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, N.Y., as coach of the arch enemy and left with a 5-0 win Tuesday night that helped the Rangers’ playoff push.

“I think there is something special coming into this building,” Trottier said. “The fact is we got two points and we’re happy about that.”

Matthew Barnaby scored twice, and Mike Dunham made 31 saves in beating the Islanders in Trottier’s first game on Long Island as coach of the Rangers.

Barnaby was a key participant in near fights in the pregame warmup. He then gave the Rangers a 1-0 lead in the first period and a 3-0 advantage 38 seconds into the second for his sixth career two-goal effort.

“There was a lot of emotion in the game anyway,” Barnaby said. “Your adrenaline gets pumping in a big game, and to control ourselves the way we did -- it was a huge game for us.”

Trottier spent 15 years with the Islanders, winning four Stanley Cups and forging a Hall of Fame career.

He heard boos when his name was mentioned Tuesday as he coached against the Islanders for the second time. The Islanders beat the Rangers on Nov. 23 at Madison Square Garden.

About 20 minutes before the game, the teams converged twice by the red line. Barnaby got involved with Arron Asham in a jawing match and Barnaby appeared to make some contact.

Philadelphia 3, Toronto 1 -- Jeremy Roenick and Mark Recchi scored 22 seconds apart in the third period, and the surging Flyers ended the Maple Leafs’ 13-game home unbeaten streak.

Atlanta 8, St. Louis 4 -- Dany Heatley and Ilya Kovalchuk each scored twice at Atlanta and the Thrashers tied a team record for goals.

Pittsburgh 0, Buffalo 0 -- Martin Biron stopped 23 shots for the Sabres in his second straight shutout, and Sebastien Caron made 34 saves for the Penguins at Buffalo, N.Y.

Nashville 3, Vancouver 2 -- Scott Hartnell had a goal and two assists, and Tomas Vokoun made 31 saves to lead the Predators at Nashville.