Detroit, MI (2/19/70)- The Red Wings hadn't defeated the New York Rangers in three meetings before Thursday's at Olympia Stadium. They came 36 seconds away from extending that streak to four.
Nick Libett converted a pinpoint pass from Matt Ravlich and skated in alone on goalie Ed Giacomin, lifting a backhand over the sprawled netminder at 19:24 of the third period, and the Red Wings beat the Rangers, 2-1.
Ravlich, from just past the Detroit blue line, hit a streaking Libett with the pass as the left winger was halfway between the center red line and the New York zone, splitting defenders Brad Park and Rod Seiling. Giacomin charged from his crease, trying to poke check Libett, who avoided Giacomin's stick before flicking the puck into the net.
The goal caused the packed crowd to erupt.
The win was Detroit's (28-16-11) sixth in a row. They are just one point behind Chicago for the final playoff spot in the East Division.
"Exciting win, good stuff," said Red Wings coach Sid Abel. "But maybe we got away with one. New York took it to us pretty good."
The league-leading Rangers outshot Detroit, 30-22, and they jumped on the Red Wings early, dominating the first 8-10 minutes of the game.
Al Karlander scored the other Red Wings goal as Detroit is now 1-1-2 against New York this season.
Jean Ratelle scored for New York, tying the game at 1-1 at 11:46 of the third period.
The teams combined for just nine shots in the third period, but two found the net.
Roy Edwards made 29 saves in his third straight start as Roger Crozier nurses a tender calf muscle.
NY 0-0-1 = 1
DET 0-1-1 = 2
1st Period
No scoring
2nd Period
DET- Karlander (Howe, Brewer) :26
3rd Period
NY- Ratelle (Balon, Seiling) 11:46
DET- Libett (Ravlich) 19:24
Shots on Goal
NY 13-12-5 = 30
DET 8-10-4 = 22
Goalies
Giacomin (NY); Edwards (DET)
Power Plays
NY 0-for-3; DET 0-for-4
Penalty Minutes
NY 8; DET 6
Fights
None
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