Rangers 5, Penguins 2
Marian Gaborik and Ryan Callahan scored power-play goals 11 seconds apart in the third period as the New York Rangers rallied to beat the host Pittsburgh Penguins 5-2 on Sunday afternoon.
With the game tied 1-1 midway through the period, the Rangers were awarded a five-minute power-play after Pittsburgh agitator Matt Cooke drilled Ryan McDonagh in the head, resulting in an elbowing major and a game misconduct. Penguins forward Chris Kunitz scored shorthanded to break the deadlock but the Pittsburgh was dealt another blow when Matt Niskanen was given a four-minute double minor after high-sticking Callahan on the bridge of the nose.
New York took full advantage, as Gaborik tied the game at 9:28 and Callahan put the Rangers in front at 9:39. Derek Stepan provided some insurance with just over a minute remaining and Brandon Dubinsky added an empty netter as the Rangers increased their lead over eighth-place Buffalo to three points in the Eastern Conference playoff race. The Sabres dropped a 4-3 overtime decision to Nashville later Sunday.
Artem Anisimov had the other Rangers goal while Henrik Lundqvist, questionable to play due to a sore neck, stopped 38 shots to preserve the victory.
Jordan Staal had the other goal for Pittsburgh, giving him seven points in his last six games. Marc-Andre Fleury made 22 saves in defeat.