CHICAGO -- The fast start for the New York Rangers was erased by the Chicago Blackhawks in a couple minutes during the first part of the second period.
Playing the Stanley Cup champions in their building, Henrik Lundqvist and Co. came up with an encouraging response.
Carl Hagelin scored the tiebreaking goal in the third period to lead the Rangers to a 3-2 victory over the Blackhawks on Wednesday night.
"We worked so hard, so this is a big one for us," said Lundqvist, who had 35 saves. "Playing such a good team and the position we're in, we're desperate for points and wins, so just a great feeling the way we played and got rewarded in the end with that big goal."
The Rangers (22-20-3), who began the day in 10th place in the Eastern Conference, improved to 6-2-1 in their last nine games. They were coming off a 4-3 shootout loss at home against Columbus.
Asked if the victory over Chicago could be a tipping point for New York, coach Alain Vigneault responded: "All I know is beating the Stanley Cup champions in this building is not an easy task."
Jonathan Toews and Brandon Bollig scored in the second period for Chicago (29-8-9), which had recorded at least one point in a season-high 10 games. Coupled with Sunday's shootout loss against San Jose, the Blackhawks lost consecutive home games for the second time this season (see full recap).
NHL
Avalanche beat Senators in overtime
DENVER -- Paul Stastny had the tying goal and two assists and Tyson Barrie scored 33 seconds into overtime to complete the rally that lifted the Colorado Avalanche to a 4-3 win over the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday night.
Jan Hejda and Jamie McGinn also scored for Colorado.
The Avalanche were down 3-2 in the third and pressed for the tying goal. John Mitchell nearly tied it when his shot went off the inside of the right post. Stastny got the equalizer moments later when he deked goalie Craig Anderson and scored at 17:40.
In overtime, Stastny fed Barrie in front of the net and the defenseman buried the chance to give Colorado the win.
Clarke MacArthur had a goal and an assist, and Jason Spezza and Kyle Turris also scored and Ottawa.
The Senators controlled play for much of the second period and took the lead on two quick goals after a pair of minors by Colorado defensemen. Cory Sarich drew a slashing minor at 11:06 and Hejda a delay of game 68 seconds later to put the Avalanche down two players.
Spezza, back after missing four games with a hip flexor injury, tied it with his 12th goal with 13 seconds left in the 5-on-3. Colorado killed off the second minor, but Turris scored before Hejda could get back into the play. It was Turris' 11th goal of the year (see full recap).