Richards, Gabby lead the Rangers to victory over the Isles

The Good: Brad Richards opened the Rangers scoring late in the first period with a coast to coast rush that ended in a wrister over Evgeni Nabokov's shoulder for the Rangers first power play goal in 5 games. Richards made it 2-2 once again on the power play in the second with a blast from the blueline that found its way into the net with Brian Boyle squarely in front of Nabokov who never saw it. Boyle was rewarded again in the third period that tied it following a Ryan McDonagh blast from the point that once again found its way into the net with Ruslan Fedotenko and Boyle screening the goaltender. Marian Gaborik got the game winner with just 6 seconds left in OT, receiving a pass from Richards who smoked a wrist shot off the post and in the net for the Rangers third power play goal of the game.

The Bad: The first two Islander goals were fortunate bounces that went their way. John Tavares was credited with the first goal when a Dan Girardi clearing attempt in front of the net deflected off Tavares' skate and behind Henrik Lundqvist. The second goal was credited to Matt Moulson after a bounce off of the glass behind Lundqvist found Moulson who pushed the puck into the crease, off of a sprawling Lundqvist's skate and into the net. The Islanders made it 3-2 late in the second when Tavares found Andrew MacDonald coming out on the penalty box for a breakaway that beat Lundqvist to the far post.

The Ugly: The Rangers had to have this game and they did it. With the Penguins creeping up on the Rangers in the standings, they dominated the Islanders in shots and puck possession and were still down a goal heading into the third due to some unlucky breaks. But as all good teams do, the Rangers overcame adversity, tied the game early in the third and held on to win in overtime. Tonights game may be one we look back on a couple months from now that awoke the Rangers from their 3 week slumber for a potential run. The Rangers are 1 for 1 on the seven game homestand and now need to keep momentum going into Tuesday's game against Carolina and the huge showdown with the Penguins on Thursday.