FIVE YEARS AGO: April 8, 1994

The Rangers win 5-3 at home over Toronto, clinching their division title for the third time in five years (the previous two, it was the Patrick; this time, it's the Atlantic), and the President's Trophy for the second time in three years. The Rangers will have home ice in any playoff series they can get themselves into -- and if a Game 7 is necessary in any playoff series, it will be played on Madison Square Garden ice.

The win is No. 51, setting a franchise record. It also gives them points number 108 and 109, tying a twice-achieved team record.

Young defenseman Alexander Karpovtsev, who has been inconsistent but still a steal for Mike Hurlbut, has two assists. It's his first multi-point night in the NHL. Alexei Kovalev scores twice, and Craig MacTavish gets the game-winner.

Meanwhile, the Islanders catch the Panthers for eighth in the conference with a 5-1 win over Dallas. The Isles are unbeaten in six.

Mike (Re: April 3 -- Joe Cirella didn't SCORE that goal. Who did? Well, he wears 15 and plays on the Rangers' top line now...) Fornabaio -- mef17@oocities.com

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