Rangers Stay Red Hot With 2-1 Win over Phoenix

The New York Rangers won their fifth straight game thanks to a big shootout goal by Marian Gaborik to keep them alive and the winning goal by Derek Stepon.  They beat the Phoenix Coyotes 2-1.

The Rangers have won 10 games in their last 11 and are currently leading their division with a 27-9-4 record.  The hot streak looked like it might be over last night, but the Rangers were able to keep it alive with the shootout victory over struggling Phoenix.

It was a scoreless game until the third period when Ruslan Fedotenko scored to put the Rangers up 1-0.  He was assisted by Brian Boyle and Carl Hagelin.  Midway through the period though, Phoenix's Radim Vrbata hit a 20 footer to tie things up.  After a scoreless overtime, it went to a shootout.

It looked dim for the Rangers after Radim Vrbata got one past Henrik Lundqvist, but Marian Gaborik  was able to keep the shootout alive with a goal on Mike Smith.   The Rangers would attempt two more failed attempts, but then Derek Stepan stepped up and put what would be the game winner past Mike Smith.  Phoenix had one more chance with Shane Doan, but Henrik Lundqvist would get the save and the Rangers keep their win streak alive.

Next up for the Rangers is Ottawa on Thursday night.

[ESPN]