New York: The New York Rangers scored in overtime to complete a 4-3 comeback win over the Boston Bruins at Madison Square Garden on Thursday and avoid elimination from the Stanley Cup play-offs.
Trailing 3-0 in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference semi-final series, the Rangers needed to win at home to force a Game Five in Boston on Saturday.
The Bruins, Stanley Cup winners two years ago, looked to be heading towards a sweep, leading 2-0 and then 3-2 on Thursday before the Rangers fought back to force overtime where Chris Kreider scored the winner.
“It’s going to be a challenge but I’m really happy we got this one,” said New York goaltender Henrik Lundqvist, who made 37 saves.
“This was a big one obviously. It was do or die, but I’m happy with the way we responded. We’re really excited about getting another chance.”
After a scoreless first period, the game suddenly burst into life with three goals in the second and third.
The Bruins broke the deadlock when Nathan Horton scored a power play goal after New York forward Kris Newbury received a penalty for interference on Boston goaltender Tuukka Rask, who made 28 saves.
“They gave us some life. We found a way. We’re still breathing,” Rangers coach John Tortorella said.
Boston, who had the first seven shots on goal in the opening period, then doubled their lead when Torey Krug scored another power play goal.
The Rangers had only scored a total five goals in the first three games and seemed to be out of luck when Ryan McDonagh hit the post with a snap shot.
But Carl Hagelin cut the deficit with a backhanded goal after Rask lost his balance and tripped over midway through the second period to give the Blueshirts hope.
Derek Stepan then tied the game with a wraparound goal less than two minutes into the third after he stole the puck from Boston defenceman Zdeno Chara.
“It was a pretty even game. We made some mistakes and they capitalised on those mistakes,” said Chara.
“We had some chances but they scored more goals. Obviously they were desperate. It’s 3-1 so we will get ready for the next one.”
Tyler Seguin put Boston back in front when he scored on a wrist shot but the visitors received a penalty for having too many players on the ice.
Bryan Boyle scored from the ensuing power play to tie the score at 3-3 and set up overtime which ended at 7:03 when Kreider buried the puck in the back of Boston’s net.
“The guys stepped up. Derek stepped up big. He was a horse tonight,” said Boyle.
“We’re going to hang around, they know that. We’re not going to lay around and die.”
