Rangers rally past the Leafs

Associated Press

Posted: January 27, 2013

Defenseman Marc Staal scored the tying goal early in the third period and then set up Marian Gaborik's game-winner late to rally the New York Rangers to a 5-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden.

This one had all the signs of being another tough loss for the Rangers, who had already dropped three of their first four in the lockout-shortened season. But Staal got New York even at 2 at 7 minutes, 36 seconds of the third and then fired the drive that Gaborik deflected in with 7:03 left.

The Rangers held a commanding shots advantage and finished with a 42-17 edge, but they trailed 2-0 in the first period.

Before the game, the Rangers agreed to a one-year deal with veteran center Jason Arnott, pending a physical.

Red-hot Marleau

Patrick Marleau became the second player in NHL history to open a season with four straight multigoal games, striking twice on the power play in the first period in the San Jose Sharks' 4-0 victory against the visiting Colorado Avalanche.

Marleau has scored two goals in each game this season.

High-flying Hawks

Jonathan Toews scored the game-winner early in the third period and Corey Crawford had 24 saves to help the Chicago Blackhawks match the best start in franchise history with a 3-2 victory the Blue Jackets in Columbus, Ohio, running the Blackhawks' record to 5-0-0.