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Rangers seek third consecutive win

Feb 15, 2007 - 3:24 PM NY Rangers (27-24-5) at Carolina (29-23-7) 7:00 pm EST

RALEIGH, North Carolina (Ticker) -- The New York Rangers seek to extend their winning streak to three games when they visit the defending Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday.

After scoring just eight goals in a four-game losing streak, the Rangers have outscored their last two opponents, 10-2. They trail the Montreal Canadiens by five points for the final Eastern Conference postseason berth.

New York followed a shutout win over the Tampa Bay Lightning last Friday with a 5-2 triumph over the Washington Capitals on Saturday. Martin Straka scored twice and Jaromir Jagr added two assists, becoming the 12th player in league history to record 1,500 points.

Carolina has won three of its last four contests and is in third place in the Southeast Division, one point behind the Lightning and four in back of the Atlanta Thrashers.

The Hurricanes recently have been sparked by Ray Whitney, who has five goals and three assists in his last three games.

Carolina captain Rod Brind'Amour has 398 career goals.

The Hurricanes are coming off a 2-1 triumph over the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday. Whitney netted his 26th goal, Scott Walker his 17th and Cam Ward made 21 saves.

Carolina has won the last five home meetings against the Rangers, dating to December 31, 2002.