Fast-finishing Rangers down Lightning
02/10/2012 05:12:42 AM
The New York Rangers came from behind to defeat the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-3 in overtime in the NHL on Thursday.
The Rangers, who top the Eastern Conference, were behind at the first break after Steven Stamkos' goal.
They responded with strikes from Ryan Callahan and Derek Stepan but Vincent Lecavalier and Bruno Gervais restored Tampa Bay's lead at the end of the second period.
Brian Boyle forced overtime with his goal midway through the final period and just over two minutes into the additional time, Artem Anisimov passed well for Brad Richards to score the all-important goal.
The Rangers now lead the second-placed Boston Bruins by five points atop the Eastern Conference.
The Vancouver Canucks, who lead the Northwest division, eased to a 5-2 win against the Minnesota Wild while the Montreal Canadiens and the Dallas Stars won 4-2, against the New York Islanders and the Columbus Blue Jackets respectively.
The Philadelphia Flyers beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-3 while the St Louis Blues edged the New Jersey Devils and the Ottawa Senators pipped the Nashville Predators by the same scoreline.
An exciting shootout ended in a 3-2 win for the Winnipeg Jets against the Washington Capitals, while the Florida Panthers toppled the Los Angeles Kings 3-1 and the Phoenix Coyotes defeated the Calgary Flames, 2-1 in overtime.