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Pair of surging clubs meet as Rangers visit Panthers

Mar 14, 2008 - 1:07 PM NY Rangers (37-24-9) at Florida (33-31-8) 7:30 pm EDT

SUNRISE, Florida (Ticker) - A recent run of success has the New York Rangers in the middle of the Eastern Conference playoff standings. The Florida Panthers have been hot as well, but remain out of the playoff mix.

The sixth-place Rangers moved to 10-0-3 in their last 13 games with a 3-2 shootout win over the Buffalo Sabres on Monday.

"We've really galvanized as a group to find a way to do things and get points," Rangers' coach Tom Renney said. "That speaks volumes for their character."

Since enduring a 2-6-2 skid, New York has gone 15-3-3 in its last 21 games.

"We felt all year that we're a good team but we haven't been consistent," said Rangers' goaltender Henrik Lundqvist, 8-0-2 in his last 11 appearances. "But lately, we're playing as a team. ... And that's huge."

The Panthers have won five consecutive games, but are five points back of eighth-place Philadelphia in the Eastern Conference.

Friday's game will wrap up the four-game season series. The home team has won each of the three previous games. Center Chris Drury has three goals and three assists in three games against Florida this season.