Cullen helps Rangers sweep the Thrashers
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.
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The Columbus Dispatch reported on its website that the Columbus Blue Jackets fired Doug MacLean, their president and general manager.
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