Spiller Explodes Over Goon Tactics

The New York Ranger eked out a narrow 5-4 victory over the lowly Atlanta Thrashers last night in unusual fashion. The Thrashers dirty tactics and unruly physical play had driven the Rangers to distraction and the Thrashers had stormed to a third period comeback. Tomas Kloucek threw a vicious elbow at the 19:26 mark of the third to give the Thrashers a power play but 20 seconds later it was seldom used plugger Stefan Lundqvist who potted the winner while short handed.

The Thrashers, who lead the league with an astounding 37.7 penalty minutes per game, were there usual selves. The Rangers took advantage of a penalty parade in the second by potting 3 power play goals. An ugly incident in the second caused the Rangers to become unglued, however.

Brad Brown recieved a 5 minute major for spearing star winger Pavel Bure, leaving him crumpled on the ice and writhing in pain. The Rangers spent much of the remaining time in the game trying to exact vengence on the Atlanta team.

Mathew Spiller left the bench and engaged in a fight at the 16:11 mark of the third period and has received a 5 game suspension. Brad Brown had been in to the boards by the Ranger bench and Spiller took a swing at him. Brown backed off, spiller jumped over the boards, but Chris Bahen intercepted the irate youngster and they engaged in a spirited bout.

The win helped the Rangers keep pace with the Maple Leafs but losing Spiller for 5 games could really hurt the team.