Lindros, Rangers Down Flyers

Eric Lindros made up for some early jitters in his first game against his former Philadelphia teammates, scoring the New York Rangers' first goal in a 4-2 victory Wednesday night. "It was emotional for me," Lindros said. "I looked at it as one of 82, but it was a little bit special."

After spending nine seasons with the Flyers, Lindros was traded to the Rangers in August for three players and a draft pick. He sat out last season, partly because of a concussion and partly because of a dispute with general manager Bob Clarke.

Theo Fleury scored the go-ahead goal at 8:20 of the third, converting a perfect back pass from Mike York, and Petr Nedved made it 4-2 with 2:14 left.

Mike Richter made 40 saves to help the Rangers extend their winning streak to six games and move into a tie for first place in the Eastern Conference with the New York Islanders.

The trade that brought Lindros to the Rangers produced a goal for each team and an assist for the Flyers.

After Lindros' first-period goal and another by Radek Dvorak in the second, the Flyers scored goals 1:10 apart in the third to tie it.

Jan Hlavac and Kim Johnsson, two of the three players who went to Philadelphia in exchange for Lindros, each had a point.

Hlavac scored Philadelphia's first goal at 3:45 of the third, and Johnsson assisted on Jeremy Roenick's goal at 4:55.

Before the game, Lindros seemed at ease as he chatted and laughed with New York team personnel and teammates.

But Lindros' first few moments on the ice were forgettable. He came on at 1:13 of the first and promptly lost a faceoff that almost turned into a Philadelphia goal.

He then made a few off-target passes.

But Lindros came through with a goal at 16:52 in the first period. The Rangers had been outplayed to that point and were outshot 42-27 on the night.

As Fleury tried to control a puck that darted around in his skates, Lindros stood at the far post. When Fleury managed to swipe the puck toward the boards, the rebound found Lindros, who batted the puck past Philadelphia goalie Roman Cechmanek.

It was his ninth goal of the season and the 299th of his career.

Notes:
Lindros extended his points streak to seven games, and Fleury extended his to six. ... The sellout crowd included a smattering of orange jerseys. One trio of Philly fans had X'd out No. 88 jerseys, Lindros' number. ... Rangers forward Manny Malhotra, who assisted on Dvorak's goal, had been sidelined with a sprained ankle for three games. ... New York Mets pitcher Al Leiter was in attendance. ... The Rangers play in Philadelphia on Jan. 12.

(Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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Author: 6 ABC - Action News