Flyers Slip Past Rangers

Mark Greig played two games in two nights for the Flyers AHL affiliate, and then was called in for a third night of duty this time replacing Simon Gagne.

The Flyers should be so lucky every night.

Greig had a goal and an assist in his first game replacing Gagne, the Flyers' injured leading scorer, as Philadelphia extended its home unbeaten streak to eight by defeating the New York Rangers 2-1 Sunday night.

"You never really know how it's going to go when you get called up here," Greig said. "You work hard for your opportunities when you get that chance. Tonight went really well and I only hope that it will snowball from here."

Greig scored from in front on a pass from Mark Recchi at the left circle at 4:20 of the second period. It was Greig's first goal in four games with the Flyers this season.

He then assisted on Recchi's game-winning goal with 5:19 left in the game. Recchi slipped a shot past Kirk McLean, as the goalie peered around the right corner of the net looking for the puck.

Philadelphia is 7-0-1 at First Union Center since losing to New Jersey on Jan. 18.

Greig was recalled Sunday from the Philadelphia Phantoms to fill in for Gagne, who partially dislocated his left shoulder during Saturday's 0-0 tie with Tampa Bay.

Gagne was scheduled for an MRI exam Monday to determine the extent of the damage, and how long he would be out.

Keith Primeau assisted on both Flyers goals, as the Primeau-Greig-Recchi line combined for all of Philadelphia's scoring.

Adam Graves scored the Rangers' only goal, knocking in Theo Fleury's rebound while goalie Roman Cechmanek was sprawled in the net at 13:20 of the first. Fleury slammed into Cechmanek, then knocked the goalie's helmet off with his knee as Graves scored over Cechmanek's back.

"I think that was very dangerous," said Cechmanek, who complained to the referees after that goal. "My mask was in the corner and the puck was in front of the net where I am staying."

Graves' goal was the first allowed by Cechmanek at home in 150 minutes, 11 seconds, dating to Atlanta's first-period goal on Jan. 6. The first-year NHL goalie stopped 31 shots, including several close calls in the final minute as the Rangers pulled McLean for an extra skater.

The Rangers, who have the NHL's worst road penalty-killing unit, held the Flyers scoreless during three power plays.

"I would say for the most part of the game we were the better team," Rangers forward Petr Nedved said. "It's frustrating because we're in the playoff race and we did exactly what we needed tonight."

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