Cullen helps Rangers sweep the Thrashers
- Share via
The New York Rangers finally got a chance to party like it was 1997.
Matt Cullen banged in a shot off the crossbar early in the third period, breaking a tie and helping New York to a 4-2 victory over the Atlanta Thrashers Wednesday at Madison Square Garden that put the Rangers into the second round of the playoffs for the first time in 10 years.
A year after being swept out by New Jersey in their return to the playoffs, following a seven-season absence, the Rangers turned the trick on the Thrashers.
New Jersey 4, Tampa Bay 3 -- The Devils tied their series with the host Lightning at 2-2 when Scott Gomez scored with 7:06 left in overtime.
Buffalo 4, N.Y. Islanders 2 -- Chris Drury scored twice and Ryan Miller made 24 saves to help the visiting Sabres take a 3-1 lead in their series.
San Jose 3, Nashville 2 -- Milan Michalek scored twice for the host Sharks, who took a 3-1 lead in the series.
*
The Columbus Dispatch reported on its website that the Columbus Blue Jackets fired Doug MacLean, their president and general manager.
Go beyond the scoreboard
Get the latest on L.A.'s teams in the daily Sports Report newsletter.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
