Rangers 4, Lightning 3 (OT)
Brad Richards scored off a feed from Artem Anisimov 2:37 into overtime as the New York Rangers defeated the visiting Tampa Bay Lightning 4-3 on Thursday.
Defenseman Michael Del Zotto forced a turnover, got the puck to Anisimov and he slipped a pass to Richards at the right of the net for his seventh game-winner of the season.
The Rangers snapped a three-game losing streak to the Lightning at home.
Brian Boyle tied the game at 3-3 for the Rangers at 10:13 of the third period, jumping on a bouncing puck in the high slot and beating Mathieu Garon.
Steven Stamkos was hooked down by defenseman Anton Stralman in front, but was able to slip a backhand through surprise starter Martin Biron to give Tampa Bay the game’s first goal with 1:04 left in the first period.
Rookie Brett Connolly’s pass set Stamkos, giving him his first point in 18 games.
Captain Ryan Callahan and Derek Stepan scored 54 seconds apart early in the second period to give the Rangers a lead, but the Lightning answered with a pair for a 3-2 advantage after two periods.
Vincent Lecavalier converted at 5:48, just 21 seconds after Stepan’s goal, and defenseman Bruno Gervais scored on the power play at 12:26 after a nifty cross-ice pass by Stamkos.