Rangers Watch: NYR 1, EDM 2 (SO)

Luckily the Rangers don't head west very often. Thanks to a signature clutch goal from Chris Drury, New York was fortunate to earn a point tonight, their only one through the abbreviated swing (0-2-1).

Edmonton native Jason Strudwick was dressed in place of Rangers whipping boy Marek Malik. Upon learning he was a healthy scratch, Malik left the arena. Don't get too excited, Rangers fans. He was reportedly back in time for the puck drop. It's doubtful the outburst won Malik favor with the coaching staff and GM Glen Sather. I think all agree it's time for a change of scenery for the Czech defensemen (who, let the peanut gallery not forget, is a career +129) so expect the trade rumor mill to pick up.

But back to the game itself. Almost a carbon copy of the loss to Vancouver - down 1-0 to the Oilers despite two strong periods and then a world of penalty trouble in the third, most notably Ryan Hollweg's major for checking from behind. The game tying goal from Drury with 7 seconds left in regulation earned the Rangers a point but they fell to Edmonton in the shootout. Mathieu Garon turned in a brilliance performance in goal for the struggling Oilers.

New York is hanging precariously on to the bottom of the Eastern Conference playoff picture. If the injuries to Brendan Shanahan (knee) and Marty Straka (shoulder) turn out to be anything more than stingers, it will make climbing back up the standings that much harder.

Recaps: Y!/AP, TSN Broadband