FLYERS NEWS

The Slumping New York Rangers visited the Wachovia center tonight and treated the host Flyers rudely. Steven Valiquette made his first start of the season in goal for the Rangers, replacing the usually solid Henrick Lundquist. Ordinarily you would assume that to be a big advantage for the Flyers. Instead it proved to be the other way around as Valiquette saved a measely 20 shots en route to shutting out the Orange and Black. Sure, the Ranger's defense made it easy on him, but it was still a superb performance by Valiquette and just what the doctor ordered for New York. Midway through the first period Noah Dawes made it 1-0 Rangers. Then late in the period Peter Prucha made it 2-0 Rangers. Early the 2nd period Chris Drury and Brendan Shanahan each scored to push the lead to 4-0 Rangers. The 3rd period was scoreless as the two teams combined for just 18 shots on goal, to close out a dreary 4-0 Rangers victory. So for one night at least, the Broad Street express was derailed, as the Flyers drop to 28-17-5 overall, but remain a top the Atlantic division.