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Jagr, Rangers not where they want to be

Feb 17, 2008 - 12:19 PM San Jose (31-18-8) at Ny Rangers (29-24-7) 1:00 pm EST

NEW YORK (Ticker) - Captain Jaromir Jagr is in the midst of the worst statistical season of his career. As a result, the New York Rangers are still fighting for a playoff spot.

Jagr will look to end a 10-game goalless drought as the Rangers look to improve their postseason status when they host the San Jose Sharks on Sunday afternoon.

The 36-year-old Jagr, who needs 84 points and New York to advance past the first round of the playoffs this season to avoid becoming an unrestricted free agent, has 15 tallies and 34 assists with just 22 games remaining in the campaign.

The Czech right wing did have two assists Saturday in the Rangers' 5-1 triumph over the Buffalo Sabres. In his first start since signing a new six-year deal, Henrik Lundqvist made 29 saves in the victory.

The Sharks have continued to rely on Evgeni Nabokov this season. The Russian netminder has started 56 of the club's 57 games - including the last 13 contests.

The 32-year-old Nabokov, who leads the NHL with 31 wins, has posted a 2.21 goals-against average and six shutouts this campaign.

Nabokov yielded three goals on just 18 shots in Thursday's 3-2 loss to the Edmonton Oilers. Joe Thornton, who leads the league with 50 assists this season, failed to get a point for the second straight game.