Leetch’s Two Goals Power Rangers Past Kings, 6-1

PHOENIX —  Brian Leetch scored two goals Saturday night, leading the New York Rangers to a 6-1 exhibition victory over the Kings.

Several top players from both teams were not in the lineup. Among those who missed the game for the Kings were Wayne Gretzky, Rick Tocchet, Pat Conacher, Jari Kurri, Tony Granato and Marty McSorley.

Out of the Rangers’ lineup were Mark Messier, who’s involved in a contract dispute; Sergei Nemchinov, Sergei Zubov and Kevin Lowe. The crowd of 8,851 booed loudly as each of the scratches was announced.

Leetch scored at 18:11 of the first period to tie the score, 1-1, then gave the Rangers the lead when he beat goalie Kelly Hrudey on a rebound at 8:59 of the second period. He also assisted on Petr Nedved’s third-period power-play goal.

Greg Gilbert extended New York’s lead with a goal at 17:52 of the second period. Nick Kypreos put the Rangers ahead, 4-1, when he redirected Darren Langdon’s shot past Jamie Storr at 5:26 of the third period. Ed Olczyk capped the scoring with a power-play goal at 14:25.

Kevin Brown scored the Kings’ goal at 5:03 of the first period.