Article:Pittsburgh Penguins' Conference Rush Stalled in 5-2 Loss

http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20080319/capt.b20bcdca0b6642f782d86eaea2156426.penguins_rangers_hockey_nyff102.jpg  Sean Avery beats Ty Conklin on a loose puck in front of the net for his second goal of the night

The Penguins dropped a disappointing loss to the Rangers Tuesday night, edging the season series in favor of the Rangers 4-2.

Ty Conklin was the goalie of choice of the evening and was challenged often and early by the Rangers staff. What started as a goaltending duel early in the first, slowly but surely transitioned into a game of countless turnovers and defensive lapses.

Offensively the Pens were supported in part by two consecutive goals from Ruutu and Staal to tie the game at two less than five minutes into the first. However, the Rangers' Sean Avery would tally two goals of his own on the night to help turn the tides for New York.

Former Penguins didn't help matters either. Martin Straka paired a goal and a helper, while former "get out of towner" Jaromir Jagr notched an assist.

Despite the intense level of aggression and play on the ice, very few penalties were distributed between both teams. Pitt landed three guys in the box before the game was through, while New York allowed the Penguins to work with the man advantage only once. Neither team lit the lamp with the extra man.

Montreal lost to St. Louis in a 4-3 shootout but still managed to squeak out a point. The overtime loss puts them in a tie with New Jersey for first in the Conference, while Pittsburgh stands in close contention one point behind in third.

After coming off a three-game losing streak in Florida last week, the Rangers move within five points of the Division/Conference rush with the win tonight.

Pittsburgh plays host to Tampa on Thursday at 7:30, where the injury ailing team can shake off the New York loss with a warm welcome-back-win for recently suspended Georges Laraque.

Read more at Pensburgh.com