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Dawes' goal keeps Rangers unbeaten in preseason

Sep 24, 2006 - 3:04 AM SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (Ticker) -- Nigel Dawes did not let the Florida Panthers enjoy their tying goal for long.

Dawes scored just nine seconds after defenseman Ari Vallin tied the game early in the third period, lifting the New York Rangers to a 3-2 preseason triumph over the Panthers at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico.

New York, which improved to 3-0-0 this preseason, held a 2-1 lead after two periods before Vallin tallied at 2:10 of the third. But Dawes gained control of the puck after the ensuing faceoff and blasted a slap shot from the left point that beat goaltender Alex Auld at 2:19 for a 3-2 advantage.

Petr Prucha and defenseman Thomas Pock also scored and Brendan Shanahan picked up two assists for the Rangers. Stephen Valiquette and Al Montoya split the goaltending duties for New York, with the latter picking up the win.

Defenseman Steve Montador tallied and Auld made 38 saves for the Panthers, who played without captain Olli Jokinen, Joe Nieuwendyk and Gary Roberts.