The Rangers, 3-0-2 against Philadelphia this season, didn't need a lot of shots to beat the Flyers. They scored three goals -- two on the power play -- in a 1:58 span early in the second period and had four goals in a 6:46 span. They scored four goals on six-power play opportunities while the Flyers went 1 for 9.
Jagr, the NHL leader with 91 points, injured his groin in the second period of the bronze medal game in the Olympics and was hit there again last night in the third period. He decided to rest with the Rangers comfortably ahead.
Jagr scored two power-play goals to open the second period and give the Rangers a 3-0 lead. Jagr's second goal gave him 1,400 career points.
Jagr's second goal also knocked out Flyers goalie Robert Esche, who gave up three goals on only seven shots. Coach Ken Hitchcock put in rookie Antero Niittymaki, the tournament MVP of the Olympics after he led Finland to the silver medal. Hitchcock has tried to defuse the situation between his two Olympic goalies by calling the starting job a competition, not a controversy. Esche was a backup for Team USA.
While the Flyers could truly have a controversy now, Niittymaki didn't immediately help his case when only 27 seconds in he surrendered Blair Betts's fifth goal and the Rangers' third in the 1:58 span.
Flames 3, Blues 1 -- Captain Jarome Iginla scored twice and had a spirited fight as host Calgary moved into first place in the Northwest Division, a point ahead of Colorado.
In between his goals, Iginla fought Blues defenseman Barret Jackman.
Jackman and Iginla were both in the penalty box after trying to fight late in the second period. When those penalties ended, they met at center ice, took their helmets off, and had a spirited bout.
Canadiens 1, Panthers 0 -- Alexei Kovalev scored with 5:49 left in the third period and Cristobal Huet made 24 saves for his third shutout of the season to lift visiting Montreal. Montreal native Roberto Luongo stopped 26 shots for the Panthers.
The Canadiens, eighth in the Eastern Conference, improved to 6-3-2 in their last 11 games. They haven't lost in regulation in their past seven, going 5-0-2.
