Coyotes 1 - 2 Rangers
Final - 2OT
  for this game

Red-hot Rangers beat Coyotes in shootout

Jan 11, 2012 - 5:14 AM New York, NY (Sports Network) - Derek Stepan scored in the sixth round of the shootout, as the red-hot New York Rangers topped the Phoenix Coyotes, 2-1.

Ruslan Fedotenko scored in regulation for the Rangers, who have won five in a row and 10 of 11.

Henrik Lundqvist made 18 saves and has won a career-high seven straight games.

"We've played so many of them," Lundqvist said of playing in close games. "Obviously you get more comfortable when you've been in the same situation so many times. Even going into the third, we knew what to do because we've been in the situation before. Being able to win those games is so important to your confidence."

Radim Vrbata lit the lamp for the Coyotes, who have lost three of four. Mike Smith turned aside 31-of-32 shots.

"It was disappointing to lose," said Smith. "But we found a way to get a point."

Solid goaltending resulted in a scoreless game after two periods. Smith made 21 saves during that span, while Lundqvist stopped 10 shots.

Fedotenko got the scoring started at the 2:27 mark. After gathering a loose puck in the high slot, Fedotenko beat Smith with a snap shot. A great screen in front by Brian Boyle aided the score.

Vrbata's one-timer from the right circle made it a 1-1 game with 8:23 remaining.

The Rangers had a chance to win the game in overtime. Marian Gaborik was awarded a penalty shot after being slashed from behind by Adrian Aucoin at the 3:10 mark. Gaborik was able to get Smith sprawling on the ice, but the goaltender managed to make a great save with his stick.

In the second round of the shootout, Vrbata put Phoenix ahead with a backhander. Gaborik kept New York in the game with a wrister that snuck through Smith's legs.

Stepan got the sixth round started with a snap shot that sailed past Smith's glove. Lundqvist stopped Shane Doan to secure the victory.

Game Notes

Phoenix has lost four straight and five of its last six at Madison Square Garden...Aucoin hit the post in the fourth round of the shootout...The Coyotes started a three-game road trip on Tuesday...The Rangers failed to score on the lone power play of the game.






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