New York, NY (Sports Network) – Kris Letang and Chris Conner scored 1:15 apart in the second period, as the surging Pittsburgh Penguins downed the New York Rangers, 3-1, at Madison Square Garden.
Maxime Talbot also tallied for the Penguins, who have won seven straight games since a 3-2 overtime loss to the Rangers on November 15. That’s the lone defeat for Pittsburgh in its last 10 tilts (9-0-1). The Penguins haven’t lost in regulation since falling 7-4 at home on Nov. 10 against Boston.
Sidney Crosby picked up an assist to extend his point streak to 13 games, and Marc-Andre Fleury made 25 saves for Pittsburgh, which joined Philadelphia atop the Atlantic Division standings.
Marian Gaborik lit the lamp for the Rangers, who were aiming for a third consecutive victory. Henrik Lundqvist stopped 24 shots in defeat.