OTTAWA, Feb. 17 (UPI) -- Daniel Alfredsson collected three assists and Martin Havlat's goal late in the second period turned out to be the game-winner as the Ottawa Senators held on Monday night for a 3-2 triumph over the New York Rangers.
One of two teams that have filed for bankruptcy protection, Ottawa climbed past idle Dallas to the top of the NHL standings with 82 points. The Senators have won four of their last five games and have registered a point in 13 straight at home (10
1-2).
The latest victory came against the Rangers, who boast the biggest payroll in hockey but also were beaten by a goal on Saturday at Buffalo, the NHL's other bankrupt franchise.
Alfredsson also collected three points in a 5-3 road victory over New York on Feb. 5. In this one, he set up a power-play goal by Radek Bonk early in the first period and Mike Fisher's go-ahead tally 3:42 into the second.
With Ottawa on the power play, Havlat had the puck at the side of the net and tried to pass in front. But it hit the leg of New York defenseman Tom Poti and caromed between the pads of goaltender Dan Blackburn. It was the 18th goal for Havlat, who went seven games without a point.
Pavel Bure returned after missing 31 games following surgery on both knees but could not reverse the fortunes of the Rangers, who fell to 2-7-1-1 in their last 11 games. They remained six points out of the final Eastern Conference playoff berth.
