Bure Is Traded to Rangers

The New York Rangers acquired forward Pavel Bure in a trade with the Florida Panthers on Monday night.

New York, which also acquired a second-round pick, sent defenseman Igor Ulanov and young defenseman Filip Novak to Florida, along with its first- and second-round picks in June’s draft, and a fourth-round pick next year.

The Rangers, who have fallen to ninth place in the Eastern Conference, missed the playoffs the last four seasons.

New York trails Montreal in the race for the final playoff spot in the East.

Bure, who turns 31 this month, has two years left on a contract that will pay him $10 million per season, as well as an option in the 2004-05 season for $11 million.

The “Russian Rocket” led the league in goals each of the last two seasons. The speedy All-Star right wing has 22 goals in 56 games this season. He had 59 last season and 58 in 1999-2000.

The Atlanta Thrashers traded captain Ray Ferraro to St. Louis for a fourth-round draft pick, giving the 18-year veteran a chance to finish his career with a playoff team.

Ferraro, in the midst of his worst season with only eight goals, hasn’t scored since Feb. 8. He has 27 points in 61 games.

Buffalo Sabre captain Stu Barnes is expected to be sidelined for up to two weeks because of a concussion suffered against Tampa Bay on Sunday.

Tampa Bay 3, Philadelphia 3--Sheldon Keefe scored with 1:36 left in the third period to complete the Lightning’s three-goal rally at Philadelphia.

Pittsburgh 4, Atlanta 2--Milan Kraft scored 1:14 into the third period at Atlanta and the Penguins went on to end a three-game losing streak.

Montreal 1, Carolina 1--Sami Kapanen scored with 10.4 seconds left in regulation and the Hurricanes extended their NHL record by tying for the seventh consecutive time at home.

Dallas 2, Chicago 2--Derian Hatcher scored with 5:43 left in regulation, giving the Stars a tie at Chicago.

Minnesota 4, Calgary 2--Richard Park scored two goals for the Wild at St. Paul, Minn.