This day in NY sports history

THIS DAY IN NY SPORTS HISTORY

Wednesday, March 14, 1962

Rangers clinch, Gordie's 500th

Andy Bathgate's third-period penalty-shot goal lifted the Rangers over the Red Wings, 3-2, at the Garden, taking some luster off Gordie Howe's 500th career goal. Referee Eddie Powers made the call when Red Wings goalie Hank Bassen threw his stick at Rangers' Dean Prentice. He awarded the penalty shot to Bathgate, who last touched the puck on offense when the whistle blew, and he scored at 9:03. The Rangers improved to 24-31-11 and clinched their first playoff berth in four seasons. Howe had reached his milestone in the second period.

Rangers 3, Red Wings 2

Detroit1 1 0 - 2

Rangers1 1 1 - 3

SCORING

First Period - Rangers, Bathgate (Harvey, Ingarfield), 3:02; Detroit, Laforge (Howe, Pronovost), 17:40.

Second Period - Detroit, Howe (Delvecchio, Godfrey), 17:10; Rangers, Ingarfield (Langlois, Prentice), 17:51.

Third Period - Rangers, Bathgate, 9:03 (pen. shot).

Goalies - Detroit, Bassen (36 saves); Rangers, Worsley (26 saves).