The Rangers beat a bad Montreal team 4-1 Friday to move within three points of clinching the Eastern Conference title. Marian Gaborik got things started with his 39th goal of the year. Brad Richards added his 25th and Michael Del Zotto added two in the third period to put the game out of reach. Only a late goal by the Habs ruined the shutout for Henrik Lundqvist.
Since Mike Woodson took over as Knicks coach, the team has won with defense. Friday night that defense didn't show up as they lost to Atlanta 100-90. The Hawks shot over 50% from the field and beat the Knicks on the boards as they opened up a 12-point lead at halftime. New York rallied in the second half, but they couldn't close the gap and they fell back to .500. Carmelo Anthony had 36 while Imam Shumpert had 25 in the losing effort.
