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Rangers attempt to begin new streak vs. Lightning

Mar 15, 2008 - 1:42 PM NY Rangers (37-25-9) at Tampa Bay (28-35-8) 7:30 pm EDT

TAMPA, Florida (Ticker) - The New York Rangers aim to bounce back from their first regulation loss in more than a month Saturday when the visit the hapless Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Rangers had earned a point in 13 straight games prior to Friday's 3-2 loss to Florida. Olli Jokinen netted the game-winner with 7:12 left in the third, ending New York's 10-0-3 run that began February 9.

It was New York's longest run since 1993 when the Rangers went 12-0-0 with two ties from October 24 - November 24, en route to their first Stanley Cup in 54 years.

New York is currently sixth in the East, but just five points behind front-running New Jersey (41-24-6).

"The streak was secondary," center Scott Gomez said. "We know the position we are in (in the tight playoff race), and the good thing is we come right back (Saturday) to try and get two points. We're still battling for a playoff spot, so we start all over again (Saturday)."

The Rangers have a good shot to get back on track against the Lightning, who are in last place in the Southeast Division and have an Eastern Conference-low 64 points.

Tampa Bay is looking for its first three-game winning streak since January.

Vincent Lecavalier tallied and Mike Smith stopped 35 shots in a 3-1 win over Boston on Tuesday.

Lecavalier, who is fourth in the league with 85 points, has five goals in his last three games.