Devils Get Big Win Over Rangers, NHL Scores

With the season potentially slipping away, the New Jersey Devils got back in the playoff hunt with a big win over the rival New York Rangers.

Lee Stempniak scored late in the second period to snap a tie, and the Devils ended a three-game losing streak with a 5-2 win over the short-handed Rangers on Tuesday night.

"It's a big win," Stempniak said. "You can see where we are in the standings. Losing three games, it's tough to keep pace with teams. To not get points in three straight, you are going to fall behind."

The win moved the Devils within a point of Pittsburgh for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Penguins have three games in hand with seven weeks left in the season.

"It's a critical win," said Cory Schneider, who made 17 saves. "They are all important at this time of year. You can't put a value on it but getting it against our rival after a three-game slide, it feels good."

Kyle Palmieri, Sergey Kalinin, Adam Larsson and Tyler Kennedy also scored for the Devils. Rookie Joseph Blandisi assisted on the tying and go-ahead goals in the second period as New Jersey beat the Rangers for the third time in four games this season.

Tuesday, February 23 Scoreboard

New Jersey 5, NY Rangers 2

Carolina 3, Philadelphia 1

Nashville 3, Toronto 2

Detroit 2, Columbus 1 (SO

Tampa Bay 2, Arizona 1

NY Islanders 4, Minnesota 1

Dallas 5, Winnipeg 3

Ottawa 4, Edmonton 1

Los Angeles 2, Calgary 1

Wednesday, February 24 Schedule (All Times Central)

Montreal at Washington. 6 p.m.

Pittsburgh at Boston, 6:30 p.m.

San Jose at Colorado, 9 p.m.

Buffalo at Anaheim, 9:30 p.m.