Relief in NY Palpable after Rangers Crush 'Canes

Like a firey phonenix rising from the ashes the New York Rangers emerged from a humilating defeat in game 1 of these playoffs and soared to victory by crushing the Carolina Hurricanes 6 -1.

With leading goal scorer Pavel Bure out the Rangers juggled the lineup but kept Jocelyn Thilbault in net despite the schellacking he took in game 1 and he showed the form that helped his former team, the Lightning, to the Stanley Cup last year. Thilbault turned aside 27 of 28 shots and earned the games second star.

The Rangers shifted Alfredsson to the first line and J.P. Dumont to the second in Bure's absence and the Rangers' second line had a great night. The games first star was Alexei Ponikarovsky who scored just 42 seconds in. By the 9 minute mark he had 2 more helpers as the Rangers went up 3-0.

"They handed us a huge helping of humble pie in game one," said Ponikarovsky in a post game interview. "I was fortunate to get some bounces but every line contirbuted to the total tonight and we played much better as a team."

"With all the trades and excitment of making the playoffs the guys were just too hyped up," said coach Neilson after the game. "So we brought in a zen master to calm the guys down. He sat with them and they had a 2 hour meditation session before the game. They really relaxed and focused."

"They showed us in game one that they can really play," said an upbeat Lemieux. "That team is excellent in all areas of the game. We're glad to be back in it. We're looking forward to a tough series."

In other great news for the Rangers doctors have cleared Bure to dress for game 3.