Sport: Then There Were Four

In the final scramble for Stanley Cup play-off slots, the National Hockey League's East Division almost came apart. Along with winners and losers, the battle produced a controversy that will undoubtedly lead to major changes in how teams qualify for Cup play.

Into the center of the excitement skated New York's hot-and-cold Rangers. On top of the standings for 3½ months, they had fallen into an injury-riddled slump. With only one game remaining, they were in fifth place, virtually eliminated from the four-team playoffs. Their only hope was to defeat the Detroit Red Wings...