New York Rangers extend home streak to 7 with 4-3 win over Pittsburgh Penguins

After a lackluster 3-3-3 record to start their season, the New York Rangers are on a 10-2-0 run, surging their way up the Eastern Conference standings, especially impressive because they’ve played fewer games than any other team in the conference (or league, for that matter). With their 4-3 win over the conference-leading Pittsburgh Penguins last night at Madison Square Garden, they’ve won 7 in a row at home, their last 3 against league powerhouses (Penguins, Flyers and Capitals). It looks like the Rangers have a true home ice advantage this season, unlike last year when they won more games on the road than at home. Photos ©Madison Square Garden, L.P.

Penguin Sidney Crosby faces off against Ranger Brandon Dubinsky:

New York’s Michael Sauer:

New York’s Carl Hagelin battles for the puck with Pittsburgh’s Tyler Kennedy:

Hagelin rushes the net, stopped by Pittsburgh defenseman Robert Bortuzzo and goalie Marc-Andre Fleury:

Pittsburgh’s Jordan Staal and New York’s John Mitchell:

Mitchell celebrates his second period goal with Ranger teammates Carl Hagelin and Brian Boyle:

Rangers head coach John Tortorella:

Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh dives to block a shot:

Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist makes a big save against Pittsburgh’s Evgeni Malkin. Lundqvist has been superb this season with a .933 save percentage and 2.1 goals against average.

New York’s Brad Richards (left) celebrates his goal with team captain Ryan Callahan and teammate Ruslan Fedotenko, who earned assists on the play: