New York Rangers defeat Los Angeles Kings, 4-3, in overtime shootout

New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist earned his 200th career victory and the Rangers picked up critical points in their run to the playoffs with a 4-3 overtime victory over the Los Angeles Kings last night at Madison Square Garden. The resurgent Kings are making a playoff run of their own, having not lost in regulation in their last 11 games.

This one had it all: A Rangers goal to tie a tight game in the second period, the Kings coming back two times in the third period after the Rangers had taken the lead, an overtime session that consisted mostly of 4 on 3 play and the rarest of sights, a two minute stretch where the game was played 3 on 3. Rangers shootout weapons Erik Christensen (now 4 for 4 on the season) and Mats Zuccarello (5 for 6 on the season) did their part and Henrik Lundqvist stopped 2 of 3 shootout shots for the milestone win. The game was the first of a tough three games in four days stretch for the Rangers, who play the Devils in New Jersey tonight and the Philadelphia Flyers Sunday afternoon at the Garden. Photos by Avi Gerver, ©Madison Square Garden, L.P.

New York’s Artem Anisimov sends Los Angeles’s Alexei Ponikarovsky into the Rangers’ bench:

The Rangers’ Marian Gaborik shoots:

Rangers defenseman Michael Sauer and goalie Henrik Lundqvist:

Henrik Lundqvist stops a shot with the help of defenseman Ryan McDonagh:

New York’s Matt Gilroy and Los Angeles’s Dustin Brown:

The Kings’ Brad Richardson battles for the puck possession with the Rangers’ Wojtek Wolski:

New York’s Marian Gaborik (#10) celebrates his third period goal with his teammates:

New York’s Ryan Callahan and Los Angeles’s Matt Greene:

Chaos in front of the Rangers’ net late in the third period:

Erik Christensen gets some love from his Rangers teammates after scoring the opening shootout goal, improving his season shootout record to a perfect 4 for 4:

New York’s Mats Zuccarello celebrates his shootout goal:

Brandon Dubinsky congratulates goalie Henrik Lundqvist on his 200th career victory: