By trading Kovalev before the March 21 deadline, the Rangers could obtain such players to help them win now.

The Rangers, in search of another center, nearly obtained Bob Sweeney from Buffalo at last season's trading deadline.

The Rangers obtained center Mark Messier, then rewarded him with a five-year $13 million contract.

It was their third loss in the four games Jagr has played since the Rangers obtained him from Washington last week.

Carter, a forward whom the Rangers obtained from Edmonton at the March 11 trading deadline, agreed to a $400,000 raise.

The Rangers had obtained Messier to supply precisely what he did last night: the big game in the big game.

He joined the Rangers to obtain protection from a sheriff.

Last season, the booing here seemed to get to Lindros, whom the Rangers obtained on Aug. 20, 2001.

When the Rangers obtained him in a three-way trade at the end of December, they were 12-18-6.

The Rangers obtained Rucinsky from Dallas in March 2002.