The Rangers had far more than survived Brandon Dubinsky’s disappointing season, they had thrived despite the winger’s paltry total of seven goals going into last night — after he had scored 20 two seasons ago and 24 last season.
But now slumping and without top-six winger Artem Anisimov, sidelined indefinitely with a left shoulder injury (but not a separation) he sustained last Thursday against the Penguins, the Rangers need production from Dubinsky.
No. 17 responded last night with both a goal and an assist in the Rangers’ 4-2 victory over the Devils at Madison Square Garden, opening the scoring by beating Martin Brodeur on a wrist shot 1:11 into the match.
“I have felt a responsibility to produce from day one, but it hasn’t worked out,” said Dubinsky, who had scored one goal in his previous 19 matches after opening the season by scoring one in the first 31 games. “I’m my own biggest critic.
“I’m just trying to clean the slate the rest of the way and help contribute the way I need to for our team to have success.”
* While Anisimov avoided what could have been a season-ending injury on the check from Pittsburgh’s Joe Vitale, he is not expected to return immediately.
“It’s a tough injury. It’s an injury that needs a full recovery,” Anisimov said yesterday. If I [play too soon] and a person hits me in the shoulder, it could [get] much more serious.”
* Last night’s victory enabled Rangers to become the first Eastern Conference team to clinch a playoff spot. With 10 games to go, it marked the earliest they had cemented a postseason spot since 1991-92, when the Presidents’ Trophy winners did so at Game 68 of an 80-game season.
* Dan Girardi’s second-period goal was the first in 13 games by a Rangers defenseman since Marc Staal scored a power play goal at the Island on Feb. 24. It also was the first by a defenseman at even-strength in 16, since Staal scored against the Blackhawks on Feb. 16.
larry.brooks@nypost.com
Artem Anisimov, Brandon Dubinsky, Rangers, Martin Brodeur, Madison Square Garden, Joe Vitale, Marc Staal
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