Rangers Reach Finals – NHL Roundup

UNDATED (AP) — The New York Rangers have advanced to the NHL's Eastern Conference finals by storming back from a three-games-to-one deficit for the first time in the team's 88-year history. And the Chicago Blackhawks have moved into the Western Conference finals with another overtime victory.

Henrik Lundqvist turned back 35 shots and Brad Richards scored the game-winner as the Rangers topped the Penguins 2-1 in Game 7 at Pittsburgh. Lundqvist stopped 102 of the 105 shots he faced over the final three games and set an NHL record with his fifth straight Game 7 victory. He allowed New York to win despite being outshot 36-20.

The Rangers led most of the night despite the disparity in shots. Richards snapped a 1-1 tie with a power-play goal 7:56 into the second period, 3:41 after Jussi Jokinen (YOO'-see YOH'-kih-nehn) knotted the score. Brian Boyle provided the Rangers' first goal 5:25 into the game.

The Rangers next face the winner of Game 7 between the Boston Bruins and visiting Montreal Canadiens.

The Hawks took out Minnesota in Game 6 as Patrick Kane scored 9:58 in overtime to end a 2-1 triumph over the Wild. Kris Versteeg (vur-STEEG') put the Blackhawks ahead 1:58 in, but the game was extended following Erik Haula's goal early in the second period.

Cory Crawford stopped 34 shots for the Blackhawks, who are 3-2 in overtime games this postseason.

Chicago will play either Anaheim or Los Angeles in the conference finals. The Ducks have a 3-2 series lead heading into Game 6 of their series with the Kings.